Hundreds of protesters in Tajikistan's volatile eastern province of Gorno-Badakhshan spent the night in tents in the center of the regional capital, Khorugh, continuing their effort to convince the government to meet their demands.
The protesters are demanding an investigation into deadly clashes on May 21 and the resignations of the local governor, police chiefs, and prosecutor.
Clashes in Khorugh on May 21 left at least three people, including a police officer, dead and at least seven people, including three police officers, injured.
The fatalities occurred during a police offensive against suspected criminals and ensuing clashes between security forces and local residents upset with the police action.
On May 22, Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahim and the presidential adviser on national security, Sherali Hairulloev, tried to persuade the protesters to leave the city center, but the talks failed to yield any results.
The protesters are demanding an investigation into deadly clashes on May 21 and the resignations of the local governor, police chiefs, and prosecutor.
Clashes in Khorugh on May 21 left at least three people, including a police officer, dead and at least seven people, including three police officers, injured.
The fatalities occurred during a police offensive against suspected criminals and ensuing clashes between security forces and local residents upset with the police action.
On May 22, Tajik Interior Minister Ramazon Rahim and the presidential adviser on national security, Sherali Hairulloev, tried to persuade the protesters to leave the city center, but the talks failed to yield any results.