Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov dies

Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov has died after remaining in power for over 25 years, since it gained independence from Soviet Union in 1991. The government confirmed his death Friday, six days after he was taken to hospital with a suspected brain



haemorrhage.

The funeral of 78-year old leader will be overseen by Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev, seen as his potential successor. Karimov will be buried today in his home city of Samarkand and three days of mourning is being observed.