Authorities in Kazakhstan have arrested former Prime Minister Karim Massimov on suspicion of treason, the country's national security conference said this morning (Saturday).
Together with Massimov, who was fired as chairman of the committee only a few days ago, they were arrested along with other officials, whose details were not disclosed.
He is considered one of the closest to former president Norsultan Nazarbayev, who still has great influence in the country.
#Kazakhstan authorities detain Karim Massimov, former head of the national security committee, and some other officials on suspicion of treason https://t.co/cWocx59m8n pic.twitter.com/0xQubmH3Jz
- Arab News (@arabnews) January 8, 2022
After several days full of clashes and violence between anti-government protesters and Kazakh security forces, during which dozens of people were killed and thousands arrested across Kazakhstan, forces appeared yesterday to calm the winds in Almaty, the country's largest city, following President Kasim's order yesterday. Tokayev "shot to kill" at rebels taking part in demonstrations.
A special paratroop unit of the Russian army reportedly landed in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, after the Kremlin responded to Tukayev's request from Moscow and other countries to send aid to the country to help end the riots.
Kazakhstan, Tuesday: Gunfire was heard in the country's largest city during a demonstration against the government // Photo Reuters
Due to the situation in Kazakhstan, the Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning for Israelis wishing to visit the country: "We recommend caution and avoid non-essential visits to the country. The warning includes behavioral recommendations for Israelis and a survey to register private Israelis staying in Kazakhstan.
Recall the protest against the government in Kazakhstan began last week after citizens and workers in the country's oil industry demonstrated in the west of the country in protest of the authorities' decision to raise fuel prices.
The protest turned into an armed uprising, after rebels and soldiers who defected from the Kazakh army took control of the country's largest airport and public buildings in Almaty and other cities, especially in western Kazakhstan.
Bank damaged during riots in Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, Photo: AFP
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