BISHKEK. Several opposition parties and non-governmental organizations are planning to hold a gathering at the old central square in Bishkek, in front of the current parliament building, on March 17. The remembrance day in memory of the five demonstrators shot dead by police during their peaceful protest action on March 17-18, last year, will be opened by reading the Koran. The spokesperson of the Movement "For Resignation of President Akayev and For Reforms In the People's Interests", and chief editor of opposition "Res Publica" newspaper Zamira Sydykova, told RFE/RL today that there will not be any demonstration besides reading Koran for the victims of the undemocratic stance of the authorities towards the peaceful protesters. "That is why we did not ask any permission for reading Koran in memory of the Aksy residents", Sydykova said.
According to her, the Kyrgyz Ombudsman, Tursunbai Bakir-Uulu, several lawmakers and representatives of political parties, NGOs and regional communities will attend the commemoration ceremony.
The Movement also is planning to hold the commemoration meeting in the village Bospiek of the Aksy district in the southern Jalalabad region, where the main events took place last year.
It is unclear whether the representatives of presidential administration will attend the Aksy commemoration meeting or not.
According to her, the Kyrgyz Ombudsman, Tursunbai Bakir-Uulu, several lawmakers and representatives of political parties, NGOs and regional communities will attend the commemoration ceremony.
The Movement also is planning to hold the commemoration meeting in the village Bospiek of the Aksy district in the southern Jalalabad region, where the main events took place last year.
It is unclear whether the representatives of presidential administration will attend the Aksy commemoration meeting or not.