Courtesy of My Way News:
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (AP) - Hundreds of opposition demonstrators stormed the presidential compound in Kyrgyzstan on Thursday, seizing the seat of state power after clashing with riot police during a large rally.
Thick plumes of black smoke rose from the vicinity of the government headquarters hours after the takeover as many of the protesters milled about, and a fire truck arrived at the scene.
Imprisoned Kyrgyz opposition leader Felix Kulov was freed as protesters took control of key government facilities, the Interfax news agency reported, citing opposition sources.
Kulov, once a vice president under embattled President Askar Akayev, was imprisoned in 2000 on embezzlement charges that supporters said were politically motivated. His release could be a key element in unifying the Kyrgyz opposition, which until now has lacked a single clear leader.
The whereabouts of Akayev were not known. He had been scheduled to meet Thursday with an envoy from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, seeking to help mediate the crisis.
No comments:
Post a Comment