Kyrgyz Minister Defends Russian Singers During Independence Day

Kyrgyz Culture Minister Altynbek Maksutov in a televised interview on August 27 defended the participation of Russian entertainers who have openly supported Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine in celebrations of Kyrgyzstan's upcoming Independence Day. There has been online opposition to the scheduled performances of Russian singers Filipp Kirkorov, Stas Mikhailov, and Lyusya Chebotina at public celebrations on August 31. The protesters oppose their participation, saying their support for the war violates another former Soviet republic's sovereignty and independence. Maksutov said the protesters should not attend the Russian singers' performances if they do not like them. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service, click here.