Kyrgyz Government Orders End To Opposition Rally

Opposition activists have been protesting since April 11, calling for the resignation of the Kyrgyz president and implementation of constitutional reforms.

Early this morning, Kyrgyz security forces raided the office of the opposition Ar-Namys party and the United Front for a Worthy Future for Kyrgyzstan, both led by former Prime Minister Feliks Kulov.

Under the orders of Prosecutor-General Elmurza Satybaldiev, security forces seized today's editions of two independent newspapers -- "Kyrgyz ruhu" and "Agym." The website of the independent news agency 24.kg has also been blocked.

Satybaldiev also ordered a criminal investigation against some opposition leaders, including Kulov, on charges of causing "mass disorder."

At least 34 demonstrators were detained last night after students threw stones and bottles at police guarding the government building. Six people were reportedly hospitalized.

Police reportedly fired tear gas at the protesters after stones were thrown at the building. The crowd later joined thousands of opposition supporters in nearby Alatoo Square to demand an early presidential election and constitutional reforms.

Opposition lawmaker Kubatbek Baibolov told the crowd to refrain from violence.

"There are provocateurs among you who call for attacking the White House [the Kyrgyz government building]," Baibolov said. "Our aim is different. Please stay calm here, stay calm. Our strength is patience. Keep the patience."

Police later dispersed most the protesters from the square and chased remaining groups in surrounding streets.

The presidential press service released a statement blaming opposition leaders for the disturbances, which it described as "holliganism."