According to preliminary data, the damage to Kazakhstan’s business from the riots amounted to more than 80 billion tenge ($ 183.7 million), according to the Atameken Telegram channel of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs. Previously, it was estimated at more than $ 100 million.
“The call center received 1,424 calls. Of these, 867 calls on looting issues, 23 calls on force majeure. According to preliminary data of businessmen, the damage has already exceeded 80 billion tenge, ”the message says.
Earlier, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, instructed to create commissions to assess the damage caused as a result of the riots, after stabilizing the situation, proceed to the restoration of administrative buildings, social facilities and residential buildings, as well as provide support to the affected small and medium-sized businesses.
Since January 2, massive protests have been taking place in the country, which erupted in the oil-producing city of Zhanaozen amid a two-fold increase in prices for liquefied gas. By January 6, protests covered most of the country, and their participants began to make political demands, including the resignation of the government. In some cities, street demonstrations escalated into clashes with police, arson and looting. The Kazakhstani business community has estimated the damage from the riots at more than $ 100 million. Since January 5, an emergency regime has been in effect throughout the country.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan reported on January 7 that 26 participants in the riots were killed, more than 3,000 were detained. According to official figures, 18 police officers were killed during clashes with protesters. Tokayev asked for help from the CSTO. The military of the member countries of the organization began to arrive in Kazakhstan.
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