Demonstrators have forced their way into a government building in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s biggest city, as rare protests that began over a sharp rise in fuel prices extended into a fourth day.
Armed with clubs and metal bars, protesters stormed into the mayor’s office on Wednesday, according to local news website Zakon.kz.
An Instagram live stream by a Kazakh blogger showed a fire blazing at the office and gunshots could be heard nearby.
A crowd was seen gathering outside the building against a backdrop of stun grenade explosions, which were reportedly set off by security forces.
More than 1,000 people were taking part in the demonstration, the AFP news agency reported, citing a correspondent at the scene.
More than 200 people have been arrested.
Source: Al Jazeera
