“Uzbek citizens also participated in the demonstrations in Kazakhstan” – Prosecutor General of Kazakhstan

Citizens of Uzbekistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are also participating in the criminal case regarding the January 2022 events in Kazakhstan. The Prosecutor General of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Berik Asilov, said this at the parliamentary session.

“Foreigners are also recognized as suspects in public riots and other crimes. Among them are citizens of Uzbekistan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan,” Asilov said.

He noted that among those arrested were eight adherents of subversive religious movements.

Asilov said that 573 people were convicted in connection with the January events, including 2 criminal cases related to items linked to terrorist activities.

According to the Prosecutor General, 18 organizers of the riots have been identified so far. The case against 13 of them has already been brought to court.

Karim Masimov, the former head of the National Security Committee, was mentioned as the main organizer.

“A criminal case has been opened against the main organizers, as I said, the first leaders of NSC – Masimov and his deputies,” the chief prosecutor said.

Public demonstrations and riots called “Bloody January” took place in many cities of Kazakhstan on January 2-7, 2022.