A protestor snapped the photo of Askar Akayev.  

(Photo: Sina)

The plane carrying Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev landed in Kazakhstan amid deteriorating situation in Kyrgyzstan, Interfax news agency reported.

Akayev's plane landed near Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city. However, Russian military officials at the airbase in Kant, Kyrgyzstan, declined to comment on reports that President Akayev has left the country by air.

Akayev's family are already in Almaty as private individuals, Interfax reported.

Akayev's plane was reportedly bound for Russia, but changed course shortly after take-off and headed for Kazakhstan.