The physicist President of Kyrgyzstan, Askar Akayev, ruler of the country since independence in 1990, has fled the country.

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan - President Askar Akayev reportedly fled on Thursday after protesters stormed his headquarters, seized control of state television and rampaged through government offices, throwing computers and air conditioners out of windows.

A leading opponent of the Akayev regime, Felix Kulov, was freed from prison and praised the “revolution made by the people.” Kulov said Akayev had signed a letter of resignation, the ITAR-Tass news agency reported.

Members of the reinstated parliament that was in power before February’s disputed election met Thursday night to discuss keeping order in the nation and conducting a new presidential vote, perhaps as early as May or June.