Kazakhstan arrests former national security chief on suspicion of "treason"
Authorities in Kazakhstan have arrested and detained former National Security Council chief Karim Massimov on suspicion of "treason." This is according to the Kazakhstan Security Committee quoted by Reuters on Saturday, January 08, 2022.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Kazakh Security Committee said Massimov, who was ousted this week in the face of violent protests, had been remanded in custody along with officials. Many more. The committee did not provide further details.
The unrest was sparked by protests over rising fuel prices, which began in cities such as Zhanaozen and Aktau and then spread to other cities, including the capital, Almaty.
According to the Kazakh government, the recent protests alone have cost the national economy more than $ 200 million. More than 4,200 people were arrested, including at least 100 foreigners. On Friday, figures from the Kazakh government confirmed that 18 police officers and dozens more had been killed in protests and crackdowns.
