U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan resents attack on feminist rally

The U.S. Embassy expressed indignation at the attack by unknown men on participants of an unauthorized feminist rally held in the capital of Kyrgyzstan on March 8. This is stated in the official statement of the American diplomatic representation. The actions of the police and cowardly masked men are a public insult to the women who gathered peacefully in Victory Square on International Women's Day, American diplomats emphasize. The U.S. Embassy expressed solidarity with the participants of the feminist action and noted that earlier the Government and Parliament of Kyrgyzstan repeatedly assured the world community that peaceful assemblies are protected by the Constitution of the Republic and are an essential element of the current democracy. The news agency recalls that on March 8, 2020, a rally of local feminists in support of women's rights was held in the center of the Kyrgyz capital. However, it was thwarted by a group of unknown men in ak kalpaks (the national male headgear) who attacked women. When the police arrived at the scene, the attackers fled. The law enforcement officers did not pursue them, but detained the participants of the women's action. They were then taken to the police, where they were held for several hours, citing that the rally was unauthorized. The events caused a lot of resonance. Some local human rights defenders demand the resignation of the militia leadership and the entire government.