Opposition Newspaper's Office Ransacked In Bishkek

"Alibi" owner Babyrbek Jeenbekov

The office of an opposition newspaper has been ransacked in Kyrgyzstan.

The owner of the newspaper "Alibi," Babyrbek Jeenbekov, told RFE/RL on November 6 that the intrusion had taken place overnight.

He said it was unclear who had broken in and that the intruders did not appear to have taken anything.

He said it appeared they may have been searching for something, as papers and other stationery were found littering the floor and the editor's safe was overturned but unopened.

Police were at the scene on November 6.

"Alibi" is printed twice a week and often carries material criticizing the government.

Jeenbekov is the father of Ravshan Jeenbekov, who is a lawmaker and a leader of Kyrgyzstan's National Opposition Movement.