Kyrgyz opposition activists rally in Bishkek

By Rayhan Demytrie
BBC Central Asia correspondent

The opposition rally in Bishkek has a festive atmosphere

Several thousand opposition supporters in Kyrgyzstan are staging a rally in the capital, Bishkek.

It follows weeks of growing discontent over rising utility prices and the imprisonment of an opposition leader.

The event was organised by a coalition of opposition parties ahead of an official presidential public congress which will take place later this month.

Activists aim to hold a kurultai, or public congress - in reality an anti-government demonstration.

In true Kyrgyz tradition there is a festive atmosphere, with some participants singing political songs accompanied by national instruments.

Freedom demands

Seven yurts - traditional tents - have been pitched, representing different regions of Kyrgyzstan.

Some activists are holding banners with demands to free opposition leader Ismail Isakov, who was recently sentenced to eight years in prison on corruption charges.

His supporters say the charges against him were politically motivated.

Participants are also expressing their discontent over rising utility prices, which have more than doubled since January.

Earlier this week, authorities blocked several independent news websites and seized the entire circulation of an opposition newspaper.

Next week the Kyrgyz government will hold its own kurultai with representatives from all over the country.