Kyrgyz Inmates Sew Mouths

Jan. 24, 2012

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — More than 400 Kyrgyz inmates have sewn their mouths shut as part of an ongoing protest over living conditions in jail, officials said Tuesday.

Prisoners at two penitentiaries have closed their mouths in such a way that they can consume only liquids, said prison services authority spokeswoman Eleonora Shershenaliyeva.

Protests have been taking place in jails in the capital, Bishkek, since mid-January when prison authorities enforced strict detention rules.

(AP)

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