Kyrgyz Hostage Taker Apprehended

BISHKEK -- An armed man who took 10 minibus passengers hostage in the Bishkek suburbs and demanded access to Kyrgyzstan's main government building is in police custody, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Interior Ministry officials told RFE/RL the suspect was detained by security forces and the hostages were freed when the minibus entered central Bishkek this morning.

There were no reported injuries.

The man is being questioned by police.

Ministry officials said he is being charged with hostage taking, illegal weapon possession, and violence against law-enforcement officers.