BARRICADES IN SLUMS, ONE POLICEMAN DETAINED HOSTAGE

[10:27] 14/07/2006, Kazakhstan today
http://www.gazeta.kz/eng/art.asp?aid=77911

ALMATY. A violent clash between police and local residents protesting against demolition of their houses is currently taking place in "Shanyrak-1" neighbourhood, Kazakhstan Today correspondent reports.

This morning a cordon of 150 police undertook an assault against barricades constructed by the residents along the central street of the neighbourhood. People started throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails against the police. Besides, in the area of the construction site "School" local residents blew up four gas cylinders and burnt a fire truck.

The "Shanyrak" residents maintain that one riot police officer is held by them as a hostage. The officer is in grave condition, he needs medical aid. There has not been any information about victims.

The clash continues. The demolition has not commenced so far.

There are about 4 thousand houses in "Shanyrak-1" neighbourhood.