Riot police in Kyrgyzstan's capital have broken up an opposition rally as unrest over a recent parliamentary election simmers for a second week.
As police in Bishkek dispersed the estimated 200 demonstrators Wednesday, they detained some of the protesters, including the organizer.
The demonstration in Bishkek follows violent protests across the southern portion of the country and allegations by opposition supporters that the elections were rigged.
Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev fired his interior minister and general prosecutor Wednesday in response to the protests.
The president said Tuesday the balloting was legitimate and refused to resign or annul the results. He accused the opposition of deliberately stoking tensions in the country, but ruled out imposing a state of emergency to crush the protests.
Information for this report is provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
