Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a state of emergency in the Almaty region amid massive protests over rising fuel prices.

As part of the state of emergency, a curfew will be in effect, will strengthen the protection of public order and especially important facilities, restrict freedom of movement, entry and exit from the region. In addition, any rallies and demonstrations are prohibited..

On the evening of January 4, the state of emergency was introduced in Almaty and in the Mangistau region. The state of emergency will operate until January 19.

The rallies that began on Sunday in Zhanaozen (a city in the Mangistau region, in western Kazakhstan) against the rise in prices for liquefied gas, escalated into mass protests throughout the country. In Almaty, on Tuesday, hundreds of people marched through the city streets, reaching Republic Square. There was a confrontation between demonstrators and security officials. Special means were used against the protesters.

The country's government was dismissed on Wednesday morning.