A rash of arrests of activists and opposition politicians over the weekend in Kyrgyzstan left many startled. The move was in keeping, however, with a souring climate for the free press and critics of the government. In one recent bellwether of troubles to come, a lawmaker earlier this month reportedly composed a petition addressed to President Sadyr Japarov to demand the closure of Radio Azattyk, the Kyrgyz service of the U.S.-government-financed media outlet RFE/RL, and two local outlets, Kloop and Kaktus Media. Dozens of Kyrgyz notables, including many other lawmakers, reportedly signed the …