Thousands rally in Kyrgyzstan capital

[bemildred]

Thousands of protesters have massed in Kyrgyzstan's capital demanding the removal of the country's president.

Police held back crowds marching from parliament to Ala-Too Square, chanting "Bakiyev resign" and waving red opposition flags in protest.

Police said up to 6,000 people had gathered in the central square, although a Reuters reporter at the scene estimated there could be three times that number.

Omurbek Tekebaev, one of the man opposition leaders, told demonstrators: "Bakiyev was elected to carry out reforms. He has done nothing in a year and a half."

al Jazeera