Protests in Kazakhstan: State of emergency declared in Almaty

09:16, 05 января 2022, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Aigul KUVATOVA

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed decrees on the introduction of a state of emergency in Mangistau region and Almaty. Tengrinews.kz reports with reference to the Akorda website.

It is specified that in connection with the aggravation of the situation, in order to ensure public safety, restore law and order, protect the rights and freedoms of citizens, the head of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, signed decrees on the introduction of a state of emergency in Mangistau region and the city of Almaty from January 5 through January 19, 2022.

As the president previously emphasized in his address, he hopes for the display of prudence by Kazakhstanis and urges «not to succumb to provocations, the euphoria of rallies and permissiveness.»

The prices for liquefied gas have increased from 60 to 120 tenge per liter since January 1 in Kazakhstan. The next day, residents of Aktau and Zhanaozen started protests against rising prices and blocked roads. Protests are also taking place in several cities of the republic, including Nur-Sultan and Almaty.

In this regard, the leader of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev asked the demonstrators not to follow the calls of destructive persons. He wrote on social media that the government, within the framework of the powers given to them, in order to ensure stability in the country, decided to lower the price of liquefied gas in Mangistau region to 50 tenge per liter.