10 killed, scores injured in protest in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, April 7 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 protesters were killed and scores of others injured when 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.

Protestors carry an injured fellow in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan,  April 7, 2010. At least 10 protesters were killed and scores of others  injured when Kyrgyz opposition supporters, who were demanding the  resignation of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, clashed with riot police  outside the presidential office Wednesday. (Xinhua/Sadat)

The police officer, Toktaim Umetalieva, said the police shot dead 10 people while trying to disperse thousands of protesters rallying outside the presidential office.

At least 93 people have been injured when opposition protesters clashed with police outside the Kyrgyz presidential office in central Bishkek Wednesday, a spokesperson for the health ministry told Xinhua.

The spokeswoman, Elena Byalinova, however, said the exact death toll remained unknown.

A Xinhua reporter, who reported from the clash scene, and other witnesses said at least four civilians have been killed 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.

The 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, the 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.

Bakiyev has ordered a state of emergency in Bishkek and three other cities, local television reported. The order is expected to be approved soon by parliament.