The protests in Kazakhstan reached a special scale on January 7th.
For the sixth During the day, large-scale protests rage in Kazakhstan, due to which President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev dismissed the government. However, this did not reduce the degree of stress. As a result of massive and brutal sweeps, the number of victims continues to grow. The youngest of them was only 4 years old, Chronicle.info reports with reference to Channel 24.
The protests in Kazakhstan gained special proportions on January 7. Not without clashes and casualties. On January 8, the situation is only getting worse.
January 8 events Riots in Almaty
In one of the largest cities of Kazakhstan, protests do not subside. At the entrances and exits of the settlement, people in uniforms without identification marks set up checkpoints. Local skirmishes continue in different parts of the city.
At the same time, dozens of people gathered near the Almaty morgue, who took turns going there for identification. The protesters refuse to talk to journalists and ask them not to film them.
& # 171; Peacekeepers & # 187; The CSTO continues to arrive in Kazakhstan
The so-called & # 171; peacekeepers & # 187; Collective Security Treaty organizations continue to arrive in the protesting country. They were previously invited by the country's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This happened when many of the military in Kazakhstan refused to shoot at their people.
Death of small children
In Kazakhstan, an 11-year-old boy was the victim of a shootout. The bullet probably hit him back on January 5 during an unsuccessful night assault. The Ombudsman for the Rights of the Child in Kazakhstan, Aruzhan Sain, said that parents were walking with their children when a shot sounded, which became fatal for an 11-year-old boy. The child was never saved.
As a result of the riots in the streets of Almaty, a 4-year-old girl was killed. The child's father said that on January 6, she went by car with her uncle to buy groceries. As they drove through the square, a bullet hit the car, which hit the girl in the head.
Another child was admitted to the hospital
Also, Aruzhan Sain reported that a 15-year-old teenager was admitted to the hospital in Almaty. Doctors are fighting for his life.
On January 7, a 15-year-old teenager was taken to one of the children's hospitals in Almaty with severe gunshot wounds. His father is in one of the adult hospitals. The teenager was driving with his father in the car when their car was shot by militants, Sain said.
Nazarbayev did not run away from Kazakhstan
Earlier, the media also wrote that Nazarbayev and his family fled from Kazakhstan. According to some reports, only the brother of the former president, Bolat Nazarbayev, remained in the country. On January 8, the press secretary of Nursultan Nazarbayev said that the former president of Kazakhstan did not run away from the country and was allegedly in the capital. According to him, the politician holds consultative meetings there.
At the same time, information that the nephew of the first president of Kazakhstan, Samat Abysh, was detained, also & nbsp; turned out to be false. The man continues to hold the post of first deputy chairman of the National Security Committee of the Republic.
The official was accused of treason
The authorities detained the former chairman of the National Security Committee of the country Karim Massimov. The man was charged with treason.
In addition, the authorities explained that on the same day, on suspicion of committing a crime, they:
- detained the former head of the National Security Committee Massimov;
- they took him to a temporary detention center along with others.
Pay attention! January 5, 2022 Karim Massimov was dismissed. According to media reports, he is a longtime associate of the first president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Events of January 7 CSTO troops input
On the morning of January 7, the members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization — Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan decided to introduce their so-called & # 171; peacekeepers & # 187; to Kazakhstan. At night, the military of Belarus landed in Kazakhstan.
These countries stated that their troops would only be involved in protecting critical infrastructure facilities, but the CSTO troops had already helped the Kazakh security officials in cleaning up the airport. In addition, they were allowed to use weapons against protesters.
In addition, Russia continues to bring its contingent to Kazakhstan. For example, in the morning military aircraft with paratroopers on board landed in Almaty.
The so-called & # 171; peacekeeping mission & # 187; The CSTO in Kazakhstan was headed by Russian General Andrey Serdyukov, the head of the special operation to seize and annex Ukrainian Crimea in 2014.
Tokayev gave the order to shoot at the protesters
President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev ordered the security forces to shoot at the protesters to kill. Not all Kazakh military men agree with this order. Instead, & # 171; peacekeepers & # 187; OKDB are ready to use weapons against protesters.
Tokayev himself called the participants in the rallies & # 171; bandits and murderers & # 187; and said that everyone who did not surrender voluntarily would be destroyed.
I gave the order to open fire to kill without warning. We had to deal with armed and trained bandits, both local and foreign. It is with bandits and terrorists. Therefore, they must be destroyed. And this will be done in the near future,
— Tokayev said.
In addition, the Kazakh president began & # 171; to look for a foreign trace & # 187; in the protests and said that militants from other states were involved & # 187 ;.
Tokayev also thanked the head of the Kremlin Vladimir Putin & # 171; for his help in suppressing the protests & # 187;, cynically calling his reaction to the events in Kazakhstan & # 171; warm and friendly & # 187 ;.
The death of an Israeli
A 22-year-old whopper of Israel was killed in Almaty. Over the past years, Levan Kogeashvili has lived in Kazakhstan. The young man died after the president allowed the security forces to shoot to kill. Kogeashvili's relatives said that the deceased & nbsp; did not participate in the protests . He was shot on the way to work.
The deceased will be buried at home. Now work is underway to transport the body from Kazakhstan to Israel.
Nazarbayev fled the country
The media reported that the former President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, fled the country. His daughters with their husbands and children fled with him. According to some reports, only the brother of the former president, Bolat Nazarbayev, remained in Kazakhstan.
In addition, the telegram channel & # 171; Orda & # 187; reported that at about 11:00 Kiev time, Nazarbayev's nephew, Samat Abish, who was his uncle's deputy during his tenure as chairman of the country's Security Council, was detained in Almaty.
However, literally a few minutes later, this information was denied and stated that & # 171; the arrest of Abish & # 187; — fake.
The number of detainees has grown
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, as of the morning of January 7, security officials detained up to 4,000 protesters. In addition, 26 activists were killed, and another 26 were injured.
The killed protesters in the Ministry of Internal Affairs called & # 171; liquidated & # 187 ;.
Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev said that in Kazakhstan brought constitutional order, but people continue to take to the streets for peaceful rallies.
NATO reacted to the events in Kazakhstan
Javier Kolomina, NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the South Caucasus and Central Asia, called on all parties to the conflict to refrain from violence and the use of weapons. At the same time, Kolomina noted that the Kazakh authorities must respect the citizens' right to peaceful protest.
NATO shares serious concerns about the situation in Kazakhstan, including reports of casualties. We call on all parties to show restraint, refrain from violence and continue dialogue,
— said Kolomina
& # 171; Dictatorial laws & # 187; in Baikonur
The government, headed by President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, continues to fight against the civilian population of Kazakhstan. For example, on January 7, in the city of Baikonur, laws were introduced similar to those that were adopted on January 16, 2014 & # 187; Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Starting today, residents of the city are prohibited from going out into the street in groups of more than three people.
US Secretary of State on Russian troops
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken reacted to the introduction of CSTO troops in Kazakhstan. The politician stressed that he does not understand why they did it. Blinken is convinced that the Kazakh authorities can independently resolve the situation in the country.
One lesson from the history of the past: when Russians are in your house, it can be difficult to force them to leave,
— Blinken said.
He also noted that the United States condemns the violence in Kazakhstan.
January 6 events Cleanup in Almaty
On January 6, the military cleaned up the area near the mayor's office in the city of Almaty. They cordoned off 2 hundred armed protesters. Subsequently, the security forces withdrew.
Interior Ministry spokeswoman Saltanat Azirbek said that “dozens of people were eliminated”. Their identities are still being established. Local residents are urged to stay at home.
The number of injured and killed has increased
Thus, the number of victims during the protests is increasing. As of the morning of January 6, more than a thousand victims are officially known. About 400 people were taken to hospitals, another 62 are in intensive care.
A total of 13 police officers were killed as a result of the protests. There was information that two security officials were found beheaded.
Russia sends troops to Kazakhstan
The Collective Security Treaty Organization has officially confirmed that they will send peacekeeping forces to Kazakhstan. We are talking about the Russian military. In addition, they will attract forces from Belarus, Armenia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan.
The tasks have already begun. For example, on January 6, Russia sent units of the Airborne Forces to Kazakhstan as peacekeepers. The first plane has already arrived.
The entry of troops was also confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense. They even published a video showing how an airplane with military and special equipment is being unloaded on the territory of Kazakhstan.
Banks do not work
Amid protests, all financial organizations temporarily suspended work on January 6. All because of the unstable Internet and the situation in the country.
It is not yet known when banks will restore the working regime.
Temples were closed in Kazakhstan
Due to the state of emergency in Kazakhstan, all temples and mosques were closed and religious events were canceled. Such conditions will operate in the country until the end of the state of emergency — until January 19.
Kyrgyzstan introduces troops
Press Secretary of the President of Kyrgyzstan Erbol Sultabnaev said that the troops that Kyrgyzstan will introduce at the request of President of Kazakhstan Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev, will not take part in the suppression of protests. They will only guard critical infrastructure facilities.
At the same time, the country's President Sadyr Japarov called on parliamentary deputies to support the deployment of troops to Kazakhstan.
Russian statements regarding Kazakhstan
The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the protests in Kazakhstan are & # 171; organized from abroad & # 187 ;. In addition, the Kremlin added that their troops will be on the territory of Kazakhstan until & # 171; stabilization of the situation & # 187 ;.
In addition, talks have already begun among Russian politicians about the joining of Kazakhstan to Russia. For example, a State Duma deputy from the party & # 171; United Russia & # 187; Sultan Khamzaev said that he supports the referendum for the unification of the countries. The politician called the argument that the President of Kazakhstan Tokayev uses in his addresses in Russian.
I support the holding of a referendum in Kazakhstan on the reunification of Kazakhstan with its historical homeland — Russia. I would like to note that the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev himself, makes all his statements in Russian. I think this will be a good manifestation of real democracy, Khamzaev said.
State of emergency and curfew
On the night of January 4, law enforcement officers detained 20 activists. During the day, this figure rose to 100 people. Most of the arrests took place in the city of Almaty.
The first clashes took place between the security forces and the protesters. The military went on the offensive and used weapons against the protesters. In particular, in Nur-Sultan, grenades and tear gas flew at the protesters.
The authorities agreed to reduce the cost of gas to 50 tenge, but this did not stop the protesters. They said that the price cut was only one of the requirements, but there are others as well. Among them — the eradication of corruption, the creation of new workers' cities and the resignation of the government.
Against the background of aggravated confrontation in the city of Almaty, in the Mangistraun and Almaty regions, the president introduced a state of emergency from January 5 to 19, 2022. In addition, from 23:00 to 7:00 a curfew was introduced with restrictions on the movement of vehicles.
What provides for a state of emergency and a curfew
- Tightening the protection of objects of strategic importance, facilities that ensure the life of people and the functioning of transport. Protection of public order;
- Restriction of movement of citizens and transport. If necessary — verification of identity documents;
- Restrictions on entry and exit from Almaty;
- Prohibition of holding mass events (sports, cultural, etc.);
- Prohibition of the sale of weapons, ammunition, explosives, special means, poisonous substances;
- Special treatment of drugs, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, precursors, ethyl alcohol and alcohol.
- Temporary seizure from individuals persons with weapons and ammunition, poisonous substances, and for legal entities — also combat and training military equipment, explosives and radioactive substances.
On the evening of January 5, on the air of the state TV channel & # 171; Khabar & # 187; announced that a state of emergency was introduced throughout Kazakhstan.
The government is guilty of the protests. According to the politician, the country's government is to blame. Therefore, on the night of January 5, Tokayev dismissed him.
According to the president, the crisis situation in the country was caused by the actions of the Ministry of Energy and companies & # 171; Kazmunaigaz & # 187; and & # 171; Kazakgaz & # 187 ;.
Due to the protests, Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev held an urgent meeting, where he gave a number of instructions, including:
- Introduce state regulation of gasoline and diesel prices for a period of 180 days;
- introduce state price regulation of socially significant food products. The decisions will be approved by the heads of regions, taking into account the situation on the ground;
- to start developing a law & # 171; on bankruptcy of individuals & # 187 ;;
- consider the need to introduce a moratorium on increasing utility rates for the population for a period of 180 days;
- consider subsidizing rent for secondary housing for socially vulnerable segments of the population;
- create a public fund & # 171; People Kazakhstan & # 187;, which will be financed from private and public sources, to solve health problems and children.
The president also added that law enforcement officers detained the director of the gas processing plant in Zhanaozen on suspicion of an illegal increase prices.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said he was ready to discuss the possibility of dissolving parliament and holding new national elections in Kazakhstan.
New demands of the protesters
Even the resignation of the government of Kazakhstan did not calm the protesters. In Zhanaozen, the protesters put forward new demands to the authorities. True, so far they have not been supported in other cities. These demands are as follows:
- change the regime of power;
- hold popular elections for akim (city mayor);
- return the 1993 constitution;
- prohibit the persecution of public activists;
- a person who has nothing to do with the ruling circles should come to power in Kazakhstan.
The situation in the cities of the country Almaty
In the largest city of Kazakhstan, the government resigned and the decrease in gas prices did not affect the mood of the protesters in any way. On the morning of January 5, protests erupted with renewed vigor.
In Almaty, according to media reports, protesters seized the akimat (administration) building. In addition, explosions are heard in the city — the protesters are destroying police cars.
Due to collisions, public transport does not work in the city. People can't get to work. Also in Almaty there are problems with the Internet. According to local telegram channels, the authorities are deliberately jamming communications. And this allegedly happens not only in Almaty.
The protesters set fire to the buildings of the akimat and the local prosecutor's office. The same fate befell the old presidential administration. It is also known about clashes with security officials. According to local telegram channels, more than 500 people have already been injured in the clashes, including 130 women and elderly people.
At the airport of the country's largest city, they decided not to accept planes.
Pay attention! Due to the protests in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends refraining from travel to this country.
Aktobe
The sounds of gunshots and explosions are heard in the city. Security officials use water cannons to disperse the protesters so that they do not seize the akimat, as happened in Almaty.
Atyrau
In Atyrau, protesters are also trying to storm the akimat. The security forces use flash-bang grenades against them.
Internet was turned off in Kazakhstan
According to the organization for cybersecurity Netblocks, at lunchtime on January 5, all of Kazakhstan was disconnected from the Internet.
In addition to the Internet, mobile communications have disappeared in Nur-Sultan and Almaty.
Also, in Kazakhstan, the non-cash payment system does not work now due to the lack of the Internet. The mobile application of the country's main bank also does not work. Due to the lack of Internet in the country, a number of TV channels stopped broadcasting. The state channel & # 171; Khabar & # 187; remained the only working one.
Subsequently, access to the network, which had been absent for 7 hours, was restored. True, government websites are still not loaded.
Nazarbayev's resignation
Despite the fact that the protests have been going on for the third day, the ex-head of the Security Council of Kazakhstan and the former long-term president Nursultan Nazarbayev did not react in any way to the events in the country.
However, reducing the influence of the former president is one of the demands of the protesters. They demanded this under the slogans & # 171; Shal ket! & # 187; (& # 171; Down with grandfather & # 187;).
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed Nazarbayev as head of the Security Council. However, the former leader of the country still does not comment on the situation. However, according to media reports, he is ready to leave the country. Telegram channels also report that his son-in-law has already done this.
In Taldikostan, the protesters decided to demolish the monument to Nazarbayev, which was erected there during his presidency in 2016. The demolition of the monument to the former president was accompanied by applause and songs.
After several hours of attempts, the protesters succeeded in overthrowing the monument. The monument fell to the ground and broke in two.
First killed in protests
In his address to the people, President Kassym-Jomar Tokayev announced the first victims of the protests. The politician did not give an exact figure.
In our beloved city, there are massive attacks on law enforcement officials. Among them are killed and wounded,
— Tokayev said.
In addition, Tokayev himself headed the country's Security Council, which until January 5 was led by Nursultan Nazarbayev. The President of Kazakhstan stressed that he would act as tough as possible.
Local media reported the first protester killed. The tragedy took place in the city of Atyrau. The report says that one protester was killed and another was wounded in the head.
Termination of operation of airports
Due to protests, 2 airports stopped their work — in Almaty and Aktau.
From Aktau airport planes of about 10 Kazakh officials and officials took off. However, due to protests, its work had to be terminated.
The same fate befell the airport in Almaty. He was seized by protesters, which is why all flights were canceled. Airport employees were evacuated
Arson of the TV channel building
In the city of Almaty, protesters continue to seize government buildings. The protesters seized the branch of the TV channel & # 171; Kazakhstan & # 187 ;.
The first floor of the building was destroyed, and the second was set on fire. According to local media reports, firefighters never arrived at the scene of the incident.
The intruders destroyed the first floor of the building, and set the second one on fire. There are no firefighters, the media reported.
According to some reports, the protesters staged a pogrom in the building, opened safes, burned down the studio and took away the equipment.
UN reaction
The United Nations has already reacted to the events in Kazakhstan. Representative of the Secretary General Stefan Dujarrick said that the UN mission continues its work in Kazakhstan. Threats to its members have not yet been seen.
In addition, the representative of the UN Secretary General called on the authorities and the protesters for dialogue.
We are following the situation in Kazakhstan with concern. It is very important that all those involved in the current events show restraint, refrain from violence and promote dialogue to solve all problems,
— said Dujarrick.
The representative of the Secretary General stressed that the most important thing in the current situation is refraining from violence.
Russia may send troops to Kazakhstan
President Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev appealed to the Collective Security Treaty Organization, which includes, in addition to Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia.
The politician called the protests in the country & # 171; a terrorist threat & # 187;, so he turned to the CSTO & # 171; for help & # 187 ;.
They are fighting with cadets of schools, the battle continues near Almaty with a unit of the Airborne Forces. Therefore, I believe that these terrorist gangs are international, they have been trained abroad, and their attack on Kazakhstan should be viewed as an act of aggression. Therefore, today I turned to the heads of the CSTO to provide assistance in overcoming this terrorist threat, Tokayev said.
According to media reports, Russia is already ready to send its military. Moreover, the head of the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, has allegedly signed a corresponding decree.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the CSTO will still bring its troops into Kazakhstan. Their contingent will remain there until the situation in the country is completely stabilized. At the same time, the Russian State Duma stressed that the CSTO security forces will guard critical infrastructure facilities.
Looting in Kazakhstan
Protests and riots have become an opportunity for looters to profit. A lot of photos and videos from plundered Almaty were published on the network.
Mostly looters steal household appliances. The police said that no cases of robbery of private houses were recorded.
Preparing for the clean-up operations
The security forces in Almaty carried out a cleanup of the airport, which was seized by the protesters the day before. In the course of this, according to media reports, at least 2 servicemen were killed.
In Almaty, over loudspeakers, the police warned the townspeople of the danger and asked them to refrain from going outside.