Andijon, Uzbekistan; 13 May 2005 (RFE/RL) -- There are mixed reports of gunfire and casualties among both police and protestors in the eastern Uzbek city of Andijon.
Russia's ITAR-TASS news agency quotes President Islam Karimov's office as saying some security officers were killed overnight.
In a statement carried by the opposition-leaning ferghana.ru news agency, the protesters say several civilians also died during the unrest. The protesters say they have taken a number of policemen hostage.
The Uzbek president is reported to be traveling to the area.
The Uzbek government ordered additional troops out in the streets this morning.
Andijon is located in the Ferghana Valley, a region that spans Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Overnight, crowds stormed a prison in the city and freed hundreds of prisoners.
The city has been the site of recent protests demanding the release of 23 businessmen now on trial for allegedly belonging to an outlawed Islamic group. The defendants say the charges are politically and economically motivated.
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In a statement carried by the opposition-leaning ferghana.ru news agency, the protesters say several civilians also died during the unrest. The protesters say they have taken a number of policemen hostage.
The Uzbek president is reported to be traveling to the area.
The Uzbek government ordered additional troops out in the streets this morning.
Andijon is located in the Ferghana Valley, a region that spans Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Overnight, crowds stormed a prison in the city and freed hundreds of prisoners.
The city has been the site of recent protests demanding the release of 23 businessmen now on trial for allegedly belonging to an outlawed Islamic group. The defendants say the charges are politically and economically motivated.
Related:
Opposition Leader Tells RFE/RL About 'Farmers' Revolution'
Analysis: Police Crush Protest In Tashkent
Protesters Charge Officials With Using Extremism Charges To Target Entrepreneurs