Asia-Pacific
Protesters, police clash in Kyrgyzstan, 17 killed
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-04-07 20:03
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 Police arrest protester in Bishkek in this April 7, 2010 video frame grab. The mayor's office in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek has declared a state of emergency after riot police clashed with thousands of anti-government protesters on Wednesday, Interfax news agency reported.[Photo/Agencies] |
At least 17 people were killed and 180 others were injured in clash between police and opposition protesters in the capital city of Bishkek Wednesday, the Health Ministry said.
Kyrgyz opposition supporters, who were demanding the resignation of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, clashed with riot police outside the presidential office Wednesday, a police officer told Xinhua.
The police officer, Toktaim Umetalieva, said police opened fire and shot dead some 10 people while trying to disperse thousands of protesters rallying outside the presidential office.
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Rahmatillo Ahmedov, head of press-service of the Interior Ministry, denied media reports that Kongantiyev was killed after being taken hostage by opposition protesters.
Earlier reports said Kongantiyev was killed on Wednesday after being taken hostage by opposition protesters in the northern city of Talas.
Kongantiyev was held hostage inside the building of the city's interior department after it was seized by protesters, according to local media.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyz First Vice Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov was also taken hostage by protesters Wednesday at a square in Talas, witnesses told Xinhua.
According to the latest development, the country's national TV channels has stopped operation after protesters reportedly stormed into the national TV and radio building and took it over.
Kyrgyzstan's Manas international airport will be temporarily closed for twelve hours from 8:00 p.m. local time (1400 GMT) due to the escalating unrest between anti-government protesters and police.
Earlier reports said at least 93 people have been injured when opposition protesters clashed with police outside the presidential office in central Bishkek Wednesday.
A Xinhua reporter, who reported from the clash scene, and other witnesses saw bodies in the skirmishes.
The Xinhua reporter, who was staying inside the presidential office after an interview with the prime minister earlier in the day, saw many protesters clashing fiercely with police officers outside the presidential office.
Police were seen firing warning shots into the sky and the crowd and explosions could be heard. Many protesters fought back by hurtling bottles and stones at riot police holding shields. Several vehicles were set on fire.
Outside the presidential office, police were blocking protesters and establishing a new security belt. The roads in the city center were closed and vehicles were forbidden. More police troops were rushing toward the presidential office, witnesses said.
