Almaty Police Department chief and city commandant Kanat Taymerdenov reported damage and casualties during the January 5 disturbances, Tengrinews.kz reported.

According to the commandant, extremist groups became active in the city on the night of January 5 despite the imposition of a state of emergency and curfew. As a result, 120 vehicles, including 33 ambulances and fire engines, were burnt. 120 shops and commercial facilities, 180 restaurants and about 100 offices were damaged.

500 civilians were beaten, including 130 women and elderly people.

Kanat Taimerdenov said that necessary measures are being taken to protect the lives and safety of citizens and that the main goal is to prevent further escalation of violence and radicalism.

The city's commandant urged residents to stay home, avoid panic and provocations and rely on information from official sources. Violations of the state of emergency are punishable under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan.