Kyrgyzstan To Tighten Laws On Religious Groups

(RFE/RL) BISHKEK, July 12, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- The head of the Kyrgyz State Agency for Religious Affairs says his organization is working on five draft bills aimed at tightening control over the activities of religious organizations.

Toygonbek Kalmatov, speaking today to RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service, said some 500 religious organizations were operating in the country illegally.

He also said authorities should focus not only on repression, but also educate people about illegal religious groups and the dangers that they pose to society.

Turmoil In Kyrgyzstan

Opposition protests in Bishkek on April 11 (TASS)

TAKING TO THE STREETS. Edil Baisalov, president of the largest grassroots network in Kyrgyzstan, discussed the political turmoil in Kyrgyzstan at an RFE/RL briefing in Washington. He addressed the question of whether the unrest is a healthy democratic process or a bid to derail the country's fragile democratic transition.