Kyrgyzstan: Security service disrupts human rights film festival

RFE
September 24, 2010

BISHKEK -- The Kyrgyz National Security Service (UKK) has interrupted the screening of an Australian documentary about a prominent Uyghur rights activist at the fourth annual One World Film Festival in Bishkek, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

"The 10 Conditions of Love" is about the life and activities of Rebiya Kadeer, who is from China's northwestern Xinjiang Province. Kadeer, who lives in exile in the United States, is also the chairwoman of the World Uyghur Congress.

UKK officers entered the hall of the History Museum where the documentary was being shown and demanded it be halted.

The officers said that they were implementing a written directive signed by presidential office head Emil Kaptagaev. They did not show the directive to the festival coordinators.

The presidential office refused to comment.

After the UKK officers left the building, the rest of the movie was shown to the audience, said Aida Baijumanova, executive director of the nongovernmental organization Citizens Against Corruption.

The One World Film Festival originated in Prague. It has been held in Bishkek and other Kyrgyz cities since 2007.