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Protesters and police have clashed in several Kazakh cities as protests escalated following rising energy prices.
In Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, hundreds of protesters, some armed with rubber truncheons, entered the mayor’s office on January 5, as police confronted them with tear gas and rubber bullets.
There were reports of a fire in the building.
President Qasym-Zhomart Tokhaev has dismissed the government and declared a state of emergency in parts of Kazakhstan – including Almaty and the capital Nur Sultan – in a bid to reduce protests that erupted three days ago over rising of prices for liquefied natural gas, which is used for cars in the oil-rich state.
The protests quickly spread across the state, showing support for the protests that initially erupted in Mangastau.
Dissatisfaction with issues such as corruption, unemployment and low wages was also mentioned in the protests.
According to the Interior Ministry, more than 200 people were detained during the protests “in some regions” but observers said the real figure could be higher.
The ministry said at least 95 people were injured in the clashes.
Protests have also been reported in other Kazakh cities such as Aqtau, Zhanaozen and Oral, despite internet problems, which have been seen as attempts by authorities to limit protesters’ ability to mobilize.rel
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