Renewed confrontations in Almaty city center, Kazakhstan
Protestors broke into the Mayor's office and gunshots were heard in the vicinity.
Confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators resumed in the city center of Almaty in Kazakhstan on Wednesday, according to Al Mayadeen's bureau chief in Moscow.
He added that confrontations have spread to other regions in western Kazakhstan, noting that Moscow has expressed concern regarding the events in Kazakhstan and is closely monitoring developments.
Protestors have broken into the Mayor's office and gunshots were heard in the vicinity.
Fire and smoke were seen through the windows on the first floor of the building.
Some 190 have been reported injured in the clashes.
#عاجل
— وكالة يونيوز للأخبار (@uunionnews) January 5, 2022
توسّع الاشتباكات بين المحتجين على ارتفاع اسعار الغاز والقوى الأمنية في مناطق أخرى غرب #كازاخستان#كازاخستان #يونيوز
Sputnik news agency reported that a number of policemen were beaten after being detained by protesters.
Russian senator Vladimir Jabarov said his country is willing to provide any non-military support to Kazakhstan if necessary.
On Tuesday, Kazakhstani President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed into law a decree declaring a state of emergency in the west of the country and Almaty, the country's largest city, in light of demonstrations over surging liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices.
Police fired tear gas and stun grenades in a bid to break up the thousands-strong protest in Almaty on Tuesday night. The police later opened fire after the protesters refused to disperse, and estimates suggest there are more than 5,000 demonstrators.
In an effort to thwart protests following a hike in oil prices, the Kazakhstani President dismissed the country's cabinet on Wednesday.