Kyrgyz Opposition Parliament Deputy Missing

BISHKEK -- Police in Kyrgyzstan are searching for parliamentary deputy Ruslan Shabotoev, who has been missing since September 30, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Shabotoev was called away from home that night and never returned. His mobile phone was disconnected.

Shabotoev is from the Social Democratic Party, the only opposition party to have seats in parliament.

Shabotoev's disappearance comes just ahead of October 5 local elections, where Kyrgyzstan's opposition parties are hoping to reverse recent defeats.