Now is not the time to panic...
At 09:15 on 02-07-2008 Dave said...
Five people have died in violent protests in the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator over alleged electoral fraud, says Justice Minister Tsend Munkhorgil. More than 300 people were hurt, he said, including many police. Hundreds of people were reportedly detained. The president has declared a state of emergency and curfew, and parts of the city have been sealed off. Opposition supporters question early results from Sunday's poll, which give a clear victory to the ruling party. Preliminary returns suggest the ruling Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) has taken at least 45 seats in the 76-seat parliament, but the opposition Democrats allege fraud. 'Necessary force' Several thousand people gathered on to the streets of the capital after the preliminary results emerged on Tuesday. The ruling party headquarters were set alight and government offices were looted. Paintings were destroyed by a fire at the national art gallery, Mongolia's Montsame news agency said. Protesters set fire to the headquarters of the ruling party Police used tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon to force stone-throwing protesters back. Justice Minister Munkhorgil said five people had died, but gave no further details of those killed. A Japanese citizen - thought to work for a news organisation - was among the injured, he said. Late on Tuesday, President Nambaryn Enkhbayar announced a four-day state of emergency, to run from 2330 local time. "Police will use necessary force to crack down on criminals who are looting private and government property," said Mr Munkhorgil. The capital has been placed under a 2200 to 0800 curfew, and alcohol sales have reportedly been banned. By Wednesday...[Read More] |
