Kyrgyz Protests Turn Violent

Protesters in the capital Bishkek took to the streets in large numbers from the morning.

Armed with clubs and stones, demonstrators fought running battles with police.

Cars were overturned and set alight.

Hundreds have reportedly been injured in Bishkek and other protests around the country.

An injured man is carried away in Bishkek.

The protests have been centered around the capital's presidential palace.

Protests began a day earlier in the northwestern city of Talas, where activists occupied a government building.

Protesters defaced a billboard of President Kurmanbek Bakiev in Talas.

There were also protests in other Kyrgyz cities, including this gathering in Naryn.