The authorities of Karakalpakstan have declared a state of emergency in response to protests against a proposed constitutional amendment that would curtail the autonomy of the Uzbek republic. According to unconfirmed reports, the protests have left dozens of people dead and injured. The measure will be in effect for one month.
Protesters against the constitutional amendment tried to storm government buildings in the Karakalpak capital Nukus on Friday. Due to the protests, the authorities put the plans on hold a day later.
Local media spread footage showing injured being carried away during clashes. There are also images showing riot police firing shots.
Karakalpakstan is the only autonomous republic of Uzbekistan. About 1.8 million people live there. The withdrawn constitutional amendment would remove the possibility of secession from the Central Asian country.
