Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Rights Activists Welcome End Of Akaev-Era Decree

Arstanbek Nogoev, mayor of Bishkek (file photo) (RFE/RL)

BISHKEK, 22 February 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Kyrgyz rights activists have welcomed a decision by authorities in the capital, Bishkek, to revoke a decree restricting the right of assembly.

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February 22, 2006

The decree had been issued on 11 January 2005, several months before elections that ultimately triggered the ouster of President Askar Akaev.

The head of the Coalition for Democracy and Civil Society, Edil Baisalov, told RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service that one more symbol of Akaev's rule has been abolished.

"I think that all the residents of the capital city of Bishkek…woke up in the morning feeling much freer after this resolution was adopted last night," Baisalov said on 22 February.

Among other things, the resolution stipulated where rallies could be held and demanded that local authorities be informed 10 days in advance of plans to organize a rally.

Kyrgyz human rights campaigners, opposition political activists, and nongovernmental organizations had criticized the move as unconstitutional.

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