Witnesses in Almaty describe scenes of chaos in streets as Russian ‘peacekeepers’ arrive in country
- What are the protests about?
Dozens of protesters and at least 12 police officers have died during the ongoing violence in Kazakhstan, authorities claimed, as “peacekeepers” from a Russian-led military alliance arrived in the country at the request of the embattled president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Witnesses in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, described scenes of chaos on Thursday, with government buildings stormed or set on fire and widespread looting. Many of those demonstrating said the protests had started out peaceful earlier in the week, and turned violent after a heavy-handed government response.
Continue reading…
