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Extra Security Ordered For Kyrgyz Lawmaker


(RFE/RL) September 4, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Kyrgyz lawmakers have ordered security services to take special measures to protect deputy Dooronbek Sadyrbaev.


RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports that the parliament's decree tasks Interior Minister Bolotbek Nogoibaev and State Committee for National Security Chairman Murat Sutalinov with taking special measures to ensure Sadyrbaev's security.


Sadyrbaev heads a parliamentary commission for the investigation into a deadly confrontation five years ago between police and demonstrators in a village in southern Kyrgyzstan.


Speaking to journalists in Bishkek today, Sadyrbaev said he received a visit early this morning from people who said there was a plot against him.


The unknown visitors "said they had been, by chance, in a sauna together with some influential people who were talking [about me]." Sadyrbaev said. "They said, 'Why does this old man keep fooling around? Give him some money and he'll stop talking.' And then someone who is apparently taking care of this business said, 'You know, what's interesting is that he doesn't accept any money.' But then another person, also of some influence, said, 'Why do you need to give him money? Give that money to someone else who would quickly get rid of him.'"


Investigation Reopened


Kyrgyzstan's Supreme Court agreed on June 28 to a request by the Prosecutor-General's Office to reopen an investigation into the deadly incident in the district of Aksy in March 2002. At least five people were killed when police fired on protesters after a rally turned violent.


The event sparked widespread protests in Kyrgyzstan that led to the resignation of the government two months later. But relatives of the victims were angered by an amnesty issued for all those involved, granted by then-President Askar Akaev.


Current President Kurmanbek Bakiev was prime minister under Akaev when the Aksy incident occurred.


Sadyrbaev is expected to make public the parliamentary commission's report on September 14 at the Kyrgyz parliament.


Three Kyrgyz deputies have been assassinated in the past few years.

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