The demonstrations began last day 2 due to protests over the rise in the price of gas
In the midst of a wave of protests that began last Sunday due to the rise in gas prices, the President of Kazakhstan, Kasim-Zhomart Tokáyev, decided this morning to dismiss the entire government. The disorders began on January 2 in the cities of Aktau, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, and Zhanaozén, both located in the southwestern part of the country. The revolt later spread to Almaty, located in the extreme southeast of Kazakhstan, the main economic center and former capital.
The provision signed by Tokáyev accepts the resignation of the Executive, which in reality was abruptly dismissed, appoints Aliján Smaílov as acting prime minister, replacing Askar Mamín, and asks the rest of the Cabinet to remain in their positions until the formation of a new government.
The head of state has also ordered to establish tight control over gas prices and open an investigation to determine why they soared. A state of emergency has also been decreed in the areas affected by the disturbances for two weeks, until January 19. The measure includes a curfew.
In Almatí, protesters today tried to assault official buildings, including the City Hall, equipped with sticks, iron bars and sound grenades. There has also been an attempted assault on the former presidential residence, which has been prevented by law enforcement. According to Russian agencies, there have been attacks on police stations with the intention of seizing firearms and several police vehicles have been stolen.
The peak of the clashes with the riot police took place on Tuesday night. Thousands of protesters blocked streets, highways and shouted, not only slogans against the increase in gas, but also against the Government and the former Kazakh president, Nursultán Nazarbayev, currently in the shadows although conserving much of his influence and privileges. The police used tear gas.
According to the Ministry of the Interior of this former Soviet republic, more than 200 people have been arrested, 137 officers were injured and 37 vehicles seriously damaged. It is also reported 40 hospitalized. The messaging services of Telegram and WhatsApp stopped working on Tuesday night after Tokáyev addressed the population to call for the cease of the protest, calling for calm and condemning the “provocations by minority groups.” In Nursultán (Astana), the capital of the country, there were also demonstrations on Tuesday, but of much less intensity. The forces of order quickly repressed them.
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