TURKEY:THE DEATH OF UZBEK PRESIDENT

Uzbek President Islam Karimov, one of Asia's most authoritarian leaders, has died, Turkey says - despite no official Uzbek confirmation.

Mr Karimov, 78 and in power since 1989, was taken to hospital last week after a brain haemorrhage but the government has only said he is critically ill.

On Friday, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told a televised meeting Mr Karimov had died.
Uzbek state TV channels have dropped light entertainment programmes.
Uzbekistan opens up on president's health Profile: Islam Karimov.

Mr Karimov has no clear successor. There is no legal political opposition and the media are tightly controlled by the state.

A UN report has described the use of torture as "systematic". Mr Karimov often justified his strong-arm tactics by highlighting the danger from Islamist militancy in the mainly Muslim country, which borders Afghanistan.
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Uzbek President Islam Karimov has passed away," Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said in a cabinet meeting broadcast live.

"May God's mercy be upon him, as the Turkish Republic we are sharing the pain and sorrow of Uzbek people."