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April 7, 2010 |
Crisis in Kyrgyzstan
Widespread anti-government protests in Kyrgyzstan recently turned violent, with groups of opposition protesters attempting to storm some government buildings, and clashing with riot police. Tensions are high, as Kyrgyz authorities declared a national state of emergency, and are enforcing curfews in at least three cities. As riot police fired on opposition members and protesters fought with stones and captured weapons, estimates of casualties have varied widely, with reports ranging from 12 killed to over 100 killed. Opposition leaders appear to have taken over some of the national television channels, and President Kurmanbek Bakiyev appears to have fled the capital, Bishkek overnight. As the situation in Kyrgyzstan remains in flux, I may post more photos here later, as warranted. (Entry updated 04/08, now 49 photos total)

Opposition supporters burn a billboard displaying Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev during a rally in the northwestern town of Talas on April 6, 2010. Kyrgyz protesters demonstrating against President Kurmanbek Bakiyev stormed a government office in the northwestern town of Talas on Tuesday and there were conflicting reports on the fate of the regional governor. (REUTERS/azattyk.org) #

Kyrgyz police fire tear gas toward protesters near the main government buildings in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday, April 7, 2010. Police in Kyrgyzstan opened fire on thousands of angry protesters who tried to seize the main government building amid rioting in the capital as protests spread across the Central Asian nation. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev) #

A plainclothes policeman kicks an anti-government protester in Bishkek April 7, 2010. Kyrgyz forces fired on thousands of protesters in central Bishkek on Wednesday after some of the protesters tried to smash two trucks through the perimeter fence of the government building, said a Reuters reporter at the scene. (REUTERS/Vladimir Pirogo) #
Updated 04/08, 10:00 am Eastern Time

A doctor stands next to Umar, 30, no second name given, in a hospital in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Thursday, April 8, 2010. Umar, among others, was wounded in clashes with police. The Kyrgyz Health Ministry said at least 74 people were killed and 400 people hospitalized in clashes nationwide Wednesday. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev) #

People pass by a burnt police building in Bishkek April 8, 2010. Kyrgyzstan's opposition said on Thursday it had taken power and dissolved parliament in the poor but strategically important Central Asian state after deadly protests forced President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to flee the capital. (REUTERS/Vladimir Pirogov) #

Kyrgyz interim leader Roza Otunbayeva gives a news conference in Bishkek on April 8, 2010. The new rulers of Kyrgyzstan told toppled President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to quit and announced the disbanding of parliament on April 8 as they shored up diplomatic support after a bloody people's uprising. Former Foreign Minister Otunbayeva, who has been declared interim leader, said Bakiyev had fled the capital and was trying to rally support in a southern stronghold after a revolt against his rule which left at least 74 people dead. (VYACHESLAV OSELEDKO/AFP/Getty Images) #
More links and information
Emergency in Kyrgyzstan as Police Fire on Protesters - NYTimes.com. 4/07
Kyrgyzstan in crisis as clashes escalate - BBC News, 4/07
Video of Protests in Kyrgyzstan - NYTimes.com Lede Blog