Reports: Protesters in Kazakhstan storm city mayor's office
ABC News
Local news reports say demonstrators angered by rising fuel prices have stormed the mayor’s office in Kazakhstan’s largest city and attempted to break into the presidential residence
MOSCOW -- Demonstrators angered by rising fuel prices stormed the mayor’s office in Kazakhstan’s largest city on Wednesday and attempted to break into the presidential residence, according to local news reports, as intensifying protests led the Central Asian country’s government to reisgn.
Many of the demonstrators who converged on the mayoral office in Almaty carried clubs and shields, and flames were seen coming from the building, according to the reports, but it was unclear how extensive the fire was. Meanwhile, thousands massed outside the presidential residence in the city. A fire at the city prosecutor’s office also was reported.
On Wednesday afternoon, many Kazakh news sites became inaccessible and the global internet monitor Netblocks said the country was experiencing a widespread internet blackout.
Despite the government's reisgnation, all ministers will remain in their posts until a new Cabinet is formed — and it remained unclear if the move would result in policy changes or have any effect of the growing protests.
