The number of deaths resulting from the unrest in Kyrgyzstan has reached 79, the provisional Health Ministry press secretary said on Saturday.
"Overnight and early this morning three more people died of bullet wounds in Kyrgyz hospitals," Elena Bayalinova said, adding that 45 people still remained in hospitals, seven of whom are in critical condition.
Protests began in the northwestern Kyrgyz town of Talas on Tuesday and spread to other regions of the country including the capital, Bishkek, on Wednesday and Thursday. More than 1,500 people were injured in the unrest.
Mourning processions are currently being held in downtown Bishkek. The interim government has taken upon itself to cover burial expenses of those killed during the protests.
President Kurmanbek Bakiyev has said he will not resign. Experts say that if he keeps a hold on the south of the country, where he traditionally has the most support, a civil war between the north and the south could be a possibility.
The opposition has taken power and vowed to hold presidential elections in six months.
BISHKEK, April 10 (RIA Novosti)
