A group of masked men attacked a demonstration against domestic violence in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. There were no immediate reports of injuries in the March 8 incident. Police arrived at the scene after most of the assailants had fled and detained several dozen demonstration organizers and participants.
A local journalist told the AFP news agency that as many as 70 people were detained. RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported that journalists and human rights activists were among the detainees.
A police spokesman told AFP that the protesters were detained for their own safety and because the demonstration had not been approved in advance by the government. The spokesman also said three suspected attackers were also in custody.
A local journalist told the AFP news agency that as many as 70 people were detained. RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reported that journalists and human rights activists were among the detainees.
A police spokesman told AFP that the protesters were detained for their own safety and because the demonstration had not been approved in advance by the government. The spokesman also said three suspected attackers were also in custody.
