BISHKEK -- Former Kyrgyz Ombudsman Tursunbek Akun has started a hunger strike to demand the resignation of top officials allegedly involved in the early release from prison of a reputed crime boss.
Akun announced on September 16 that he has begun a hunger strike in his office at the Bishkek-based Institute of the Ombudsman.
He also said he is ready to continue his hunger strike in front of the government building if his demands are not met.
Akun insists that top officials in the Prosecutor-General’s Office and Interior Ministry were responsible for the early release of Aziz Batukaev in April.
Batukaev left Kyrgyzstan for Russia.
Kyrgyz lawmakers dismissed Akun from the ombudsman's post in June over Batukaev's release and alleged financial irregularities in the ombudsman's office.
Parliament is set to elect a new ombudsman later this month.
Akun announced on September 16 that he has begun a hunger strike in his office at the Bishkek-based Institute of the Ombudsman.
He also said he is ready to continue his hunger strike in front of the government building if his demands are not met.
Akun insists that top officials in the Prosecutor-General’s Office and Interior Ministry were responsible for the early release of Aziz Batukaev in April.
Batukaev left Kyrgyzstan for Russia.
Kyrgyz lawmakers dismissed Akun from the ombudsman's post in June over Batukaev's release and alleged financial irregularities in the ombudsman's office.
Parliament is set to elect a new ombudsman later this month.
