State of emergency in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK: A nationwide state of emergency has been declared in Kyrgyzstan, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov announced on Wednesday.

Two people died and scores were injured as riots swept through the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on Wednesday, Russia’s RIA Novosti and Interfax news agencies reported.

Both agencies reported that two people died.

Interfax, citing a “medical source,” said around 90 people were injured, while RIA Novosti, citing a law enforcement source, put the figure at around 100 people.

AFP reporters at the scene saw six bodies being carried out of the square near the presidential administration but could not immediately confirm whether they were dead.

Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday was rocked by clashes between protesters and authorities amid an escalating wave of unrest across the country.

Opposition supporters burn a billboard displaying Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev during a rally in the northwestern town of Talas, April 6, 2010. — Reuters

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