More than 200 people were detained for disturbing public order during protests in Kazakhstan. At least 95 law enforcement officers were injured in the clashes. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan reported.
According to it, pre-trial investigations have been launched on 13 cases of violence against government officials, hooliganism, attacks on government buildings.
«In order to ensure public safety, the police have taken measures provided by law to suppress violations of public order and detain violators,» the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan said.
The protesters damaged 37 official cars, the ministry reported.
Earlier, the head of the Almaty administration Bakytzhan Sagintayev said that «provocateurs and extremists» were being detained in the city. According to him, «provocateurs from inside and outside» are behind the destabilization attempts and extremist actions.
The President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on the resignation of the government of the republic today. The First Deputy Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov will temporarily perform the duties of the Prime Minister.
The head of the republic declared a state of emergency in Almaty and Mangistau region. It will be in force in these regions from January 5 to January 19. Mass events and strikes, sale of weapons, ammunition and alcohol are prohibited in the city. In addition, a curfew is imposed from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Clashes between security officials and protesters erupted in several cities in Kazakhstan on Tuesday evening.
The situation in Kazakhstan escalated after the residents of Zhanaozen and Aktau took to the streets on January 2, calling for bringing the fuel prices down. The price of gas in Kazakhstan has doubled since January 1 — from 60 to 120 tenge per liter. Later, unrest began in other cities of the country. Calls for resignation of the president and government appeared.
