Anti-government protests are escalating in Kazakhstan as fuel costs soar. The President of Kazakhstan called the protesters murderers and gave the military permission to aim fire without warning, and even invited the Russian army to quell the protests.
This is reporter Jeong-yoon Jeong.
[기자]
The city hall of Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, is surrounded by massive protesters.
Overturned vehicles are set on fire, and protests intensify.
Police use tear gas at protesters pouring into the streets.
Anti-government protests in Kazakhstan, sparked by soaring fuel costs, have continued for the sixth day.
President Kassimzomart Tokayev has called the protesters “murderers” and has allowed them to fire.
[카심조마르트 토카예프/카자흐스탄 대통령 : 법 집행기관과 군에 경고 없는 조준사격을 명령했습니다.]
President Tokayev also asked for help from the Russian-led security organization.
About 2,500 troops, including Russian paratroopers, have been dispatched to Kazakhstan for the purpose of maintaining peace.
It is unusual for the Russian military to be used to suppress anti-government protests rather than border disputes.
The United States has expressed concern regarding Russian intervention.
[토니 블링컨/미국 국무장관 : 역사에서 교훈이 하나 있습니다. 러시아인들이 일단 집에 들어오면 어떤 때는 그들을 떠나게 하는 게 매우 어렵다는 겁니다.]
So far, more than 50 protesters have been killed due to the armed repression, and it is reported that there have been many casualties among the military and police.
