Protesters In Almaty Demonstrate Against Car Import Ban

(RFE/RL) November 26, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Protesters in Almaty today braved freezing temperatures to demonstrate against the Kazakh government's plan to ban the import and use of cars with right-side steering wheels, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reported.

RFE/RL's reporter on the scene says the rare protest drew several hundred people. Scuffles with police ensued, who broke up the unauthorized demonstration. Several people were detained.

Right-hand cars from Japan are a common import in Kazakhstan and other parts of the CIS. The government says they are a safety hazard.

(with material from Reuters)