Protests in Kyrgyzstan continue: 65 people died

At least 65 people died and 400 were injured due to clashes between police and anti-government protesters in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, the Health Ministry said today, the IrishTimes writes.

"We have 65 dead in Bishkek as of now and about 400 injured," a Health Ministry official said. Last night, the ministry said at least 47 people had died.

Kyrgyzstan's opposition said it has taken power and the government has resigned after protests in the capital, Bishkek, that forced President Kurmanbek Bakiyev to flee the city, the source says.

Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov tendered his resignation to Roza Otunbayeva, appointed by opposition leaders as head of the new government, RIA Novosti reported, citing Otunbayeva. The opposition is "in full control," the news agency said.

Mr Bakiyev is in the southern city of Osh, his main power base, after fleeing the capital Bishkek following violent protests, a witness at the city's airport said today.

Security has been tightened in and around Osh ahead of a rally planned for later this morning. It was unclear whether the rally was being organised by supporters of Bakiyev or his opponents, the IrishTime says.