Uzbek refugees turned back at border

About 150 Uzbek refugees trying to flee to neighbouring Kyrgyzstan after a violent crackdown on protesters in Uzbekistan have been turned back by Kyrgyz authorities, who also warned they could quickly deport others who had previously crossed the border, officials said today.

Gulmira Borubayeva, a Kyrgyz border guards service spokeswoman, said that the guards turned back the refugees near the Uzbek villager of Ayim late last night.