Uzbek opposition leaders protest against the policy of Radio Liberty
On August 10, 2009 the Birdamlik movement activists started open-ended hunger strike in front of Radio Liberty headquarters in Washington (District of Columbia) with the demand to cancel the censorship of Uzbek Service of Radio Liberty (Radio Ozodlik) and offer its air time for all leaders of Uzbek political opposition, residing both in Uzbekistan and abroad.
The demonstration of Uzbek opposition members in Washington, DC
Near the headquarters of radio station there were 18 meeting participants, holding the posters. They also set up tents in order to continue the hunger strike until the management of Radio Liberty satisfies their requirements.
The demonstration of Uzbek opposition members in Washington, DC
"The employees of Uzbek news service of Radio Ozodlik [Uzbek service of Radio Liberty) say nothing about the activities of opposition leaders outside the country while news from Uzbekistan is always strictly censored. We also demand to offer the air time to all the opposition members, committed to the idea of non-use of force in process of dictator Karimov’s resignation. Otherwise, open-ended hunger strike will be continued", Bakhodir Choriev, the leader of the Birdamlik movement, informed Ferghana.Ru from Washington, DC.
According to Mr. Choroev, Martins Zvaners, the public relations deputy director of Radio Liberty, met the protesters. He promised that the protesters will be offered air time for interview when they can announce their requirements in the extended format and answer the questions, raised by the management of radio station and listeners. Nevertheless, nobody showed up by last night.
The protest of Uzbek opposition members in Washington, DC. Martin Zvaners (on the right)
The hunger strike participants are going to continue open-ended strike. It was also announced that the oldest participant – 73-year old human rights activist Yadgar (Yedgor) Turlibekov – got sick and his further participation in the strike is under the question.
The protest of Uzbek opposition members in Washington, DC. Yadgar Turlibekov (second on the left)
Uzbek opposition members in Prague and Stockholm are also planning to join the protesters. The total number of open-ended hunger strike participants in three countries will reach about 50 people. The demonstration in Europe will begin at 10am, local time (12pm Moscow time).
Photos are provided by Bakhodir Choriev