Kyrgyz violence continues, at least 47 killed
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At least 47 people were killed and over 400 others were injured in violent clashes between anti-government protestors and police in Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday, officials said.
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A protestor throws stones outside the presidential office in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, April 7, 2010. [Sadat/Xinhua] |
According to Health Ministry officials, the death toll would continue to rise. Earlier, the Health Ministry put the number at 40.
Meanwhile, the opposition has said around 100 people had been killed.
Opposition leader Omurbek Tekebayev said in a television program on Wednesday that about 100 people were killed in violent clashes between anti-government protestors and police in the capital city.
In the televised address, Tekebayev asked the government to step down.
Meanwhile, head of press-service of the Interior Ministry Rahmatillo Ahmedov said that Interior Minister Moldomussa Kongantiyev is still alive, denying earlier reports that he was killed in the riots 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.
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 developments, the country's national TV channels have suspended 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.
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 hurling bottles and stones at riot police holding shields. Several vehicles were set on fire.
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