The authorities in Kyrgyzstan  declared a national state of emergency on Wednesday after large-scale antigovernment protests broke out around the country and riot police officers fired on crowds in the capital, killing at least 17 people.

Omurbek Tekebayev, head of the Ata-Meken opposition party in the Central Asian nation of Kyrgyzstan, has demanded a government transfer of power, Ria Novosti, a Russian news agency, is reporting.

The police used bullets, tear gas and stun grenades against a crowd of thousands massing in front of the presidential office in Bishkek, according to witness accounts. At least 17 people were killed and others were wounded, officials.

Supporters of the opposition party have taken over a number of state government buildings in Bishkek, the capital, the agency reports

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