BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Several thousand people rallied in a southern Kyrgyzstan town that has been rocked in recent years by political and ethnic violence.
The protesters demanded the resignation of the government.
Demonstrators at Tuesday's rally in Jalal-Abad held signs protesting the government's failure to honor promises to issue low-interest loans to farmers and improve the economy.
Local residents said about 5,000 people attended the peaceful rally, which was addressed by several major opposition leaders.
Rowdy mass open-air political rallies are common in Kyrgyzstan as the weather begins improving.
Discontent over living conditions and corruption spiraled in 2010 into street violence that led to the overthrow of then-President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
