Kyrgyz Protesters In Southern Aksu District Demand Local Governor's Resignation

AKSY, Kyrgyzstan -- More than 100 local residents rallied in front of the Aksy district's administration building in Kyrgyzstan's southern Jalal-Abad region on June 20, demanding the local governor's immediate resignation.

The protesters allege Governor Medetbek Aidaraliev is corrupt and divides local residents by tribes and clans.

The protesters also demanded a meeting with President Almazbek Atambaev, who was touring the region on June 20. After they were not allowed to meet with Atambaev, the protesters tried to seize the administration building.

The Kyrgyz cabinet's envoy in the region, Jusupjan Jeenbekov, met with the protesters and promised them that their demand regarding resignation of the local governor would be studied by a special commission.

The protesters remain at the site, insisting that Aidaraliev resign. They say if he doesn't leave office they will occupy the district administration building.