NEWS.com.au | Protesters storm seat of power (25-03-2005)

NEWS.com.au | Protesters storm seat of power (25-03-2005): "Protesters storm seat of power
By Nick Coleman in Bishkek
March 25, 2005
From: Agence France-Presse

Opposition supporters attack presidential supporters /
AFP THOUSANDS of protesters have seized the seat of government in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, overwhelming security forces in a dramatic escalation of the political upheaval sweeping the country.
Hundreds of riot police abandoned their guard posts around the government compound in the city centre after being pelted by some of a swelling crowd of at least 5000 protesters.
Dozens of mounted police charged the demonstrators at one point, but they were unable to prevent the protesters from running inside the tall wrought-iron railings surrounding the 'White House', as the seat of government and presidency is known.
The protesters, many waving wooden clubs, then entered the compound, throwing portraits of President Askar Akayev out of the windows and waving the national flag of Kyrgyzstan.
Imprisoned Kyrgyz opposition leader Felix Kulov was freed as protesters took control of key government facilities, the Interfax news agency cited opposition sources as saying.
Mr Kulov, once a vice president under embattled President Askar Akayev, was imprisoned in 2000 under embezzlement charges that supporters said were politically motivated.
His release could be a key element in unifying the Kyrgyz opposition, which until now has lacked a single clear leader.
Kyrgyz opposition supporters also today took over the state television building in Bishkek, Interfax reported.
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The protesters entered the building after storming the main seat of government in the Central Asian nation, chasing away hundreds of riot police.
State television has not reported today's prote"