More deaths in Guinea protests

At least five people were killed on Saturday (May 25) when security forces in Guinea opened fire on protesters in opposition strongholds in the capital, medical sources and witnesses said.

The violence brings to 11 the number of people killed since Thursday (May 23) in unrest that began over election preparations but has frequently degenerated into looting and clashes between ethnic groups.

A human rights group spokesperson said all five victims had died after being shot.

During Thursday's protests, the opposition, which held a rally against plans for a June election that it fears will be rigged, said three protesters were shot dead and a fourth beaten to death at the march.

The opposition accuses the government of trying to rig the vote, due on June 30, and regional diplomats have struggled to get both sides to take part in talks to reduce tensions.