OSH, Kyrgyzstan -- A 65-year-old man lit himself on fire as a protest in Kyrgyzstan's southern city of Osh on April 15 and died of his injuries later in a hospital.
Kyrgyz officials told RFE/RL on April 16 that the man left a note calling on all Kyrgyz citizens "to stop constant protest actions" and respect the country's leadership and opposition equally.
Last week, the Osh city council chose a close ally of the city's controversial acting mayor, Melis Myrzakmatov, to become the council's chairman.
That move brings Myrzakmatov closer to regaining his mayor's post because the coalition controlling the city council is empowered with naming the mayor.
Kyrgyzstan's government has been trying to remove Myrzakmatov since 2010, after deadly clashes between local Uzbeks and Kyrgyz erupted in the city.
Pro-Myrzakmatov groups have held numerous protests since then to protect his job as mayor.
Kyrgyz officials told RFE/RL on April 16 that the man left a note calling on all Kyrgyz citizens "to stop constant protest actions" and respect the country's leadership and opposition equally.
Last week, the Osh city council chose a close ally of the city's controversial acting mayor, Melis Myrzakmatov, to become the council's chairman.
That move brings Myrzakmatov closer to regaining his mayor's post because the coalition controlling the city council is empowered with naming the mayor.
Kyrgyzstan's government has been trying to remove Myrzakmatov since 2010, after deadly clashes between local Uzbeks and Kyrgyz erupted in the city.
Pro-Myrzakmatov groups have held numerous protests since then to protect his job as mayor.
