Kyrgyz protesters seize media

Kulov addressed President Akayev live on TV

The tightly controlled media in Kyrgyzstan had - until Thursday - refrained from mentioning the weeks of protest that have shaken the south of the country.

As the demonstrations reached the capital, Bishkek, and protesters dramatically stormed the main seat of government, state-run TV showed nature programmes and a report about a circus.

At the same time, the private Pyramid TV channel chose to air Euronews instead of its scheduled local news. It then continued its programming with Russian soap operas.

But this all changed when a group of opposition supporters entered the state television headquarters.

'What really happened'

"Hello, dear people and dear compatriots. Kyrgyz TV begins a live programme," an unidentified activist announced.

There should be no doubt whatsoever that it is precisely a popular uprising that has taken place Felix Kulov

"Very terrible and very serious events are happening in our capital... Government House is in the hands of protesters today... The heads of Kyrgyz State TV have gone," the man continued.

State radio also broadcast the same announcement.

The man was then joined by other opposition activists, including former Vice-President Felix Kulov, who has been serving a long sentence in prison for abuse of office.

"You need to meet the people," Mr Kulov urged President Askar Akayev.

"A peaceful, constitutional transfer of power should take place. There should be no doubt whatsoever that it is precisely a popular uprising that has taken place," he said.

The TV then showed pictures of "what really happened" earlier that day on the streets of the capital.

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