Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz Grand Mufti Resigns Amid Sex Scandal

Kyrgyz Grand Mufti Rakhmatulla-Hajji Egemberdiev has resigned amid a scandal over a sex video and been replaced by a deputy.

Addiction Doctor Wants Kyrgyzstan To Legalize Pot

Should Bishkek legalize marijuana? It's not just stoned logic for one Kyrgyz drug-addiction expert who reckons it could have many benefits.

Urgent Kyrgyz Debate On Kumtor Gold Mine

The chief of state gold producer Kyrgyzaltyn told RFE/RL that the January 7 session follows President Almazbek Atambaev's harsh criticism of a draft agreement with Centerra outlined by the government last month.

Reputed Kyrgyz Kingpin's Alleged Associate Detained

Police in Kyrgyzstan's southern region of Jalal-Abad told RFE/RL they detained a 31-year-old local man suspected of being a member of a gang headed by Kamchybek Kolbaev.

Sex Scandal Just Latest Misadventure For Kyrgyz Muftis

Kyrgyzstan is reeling from the release of a secret video that appears to show the country's grand mufti, Rakhmatulla-Hajji Egemberdiev, in bed with a young woman. The tape is just the latest misadventure to affect a string of scandal-plagued muftis in the Central Asian nation.

Kyrgyz Mufti Under Fire Over 'Adultery'

Dozens of people have protested in front of the Bishkek office of Kyrgyzstan's grand mufti, demanding his immediate resignation.

Kyrgyz-Chinese Pipeline Deal Signed Into Law

Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev has signed into law a Kyrgyz-Chinese agreement on construction of a natural-gas pipeline in Kyrgyzstan.

Thousands To Be Freed In Kyrgyz Amnesty

Kyrgyzstan plans to grant an amnesty to almost one-third of those being incarcerated in the country's penitentiaries and detention centers.

Armenian, Kyrgyz Customs Union Plans Outlined

Armenia's prime minister says an agreement on his country's joining a Russia-led Customs Union will be ready by May. Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan's deputy prime minister says a new road map outlining the steps needed for it to join the union will be prepared by spring.

Armenians, Kyrgyz Ready 'Road Maps' To Russian-Led Union

Roads Closed Along Kyrgyz-Tajik Border

Several roads along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border remain closed after an alleged arson attack destroyed a teahouse belonging to a Kyrgyz citizen in a disputed area.