Cheryll Reed News Today

In January 2022, a peaceful protest against an increase in fuel prices turned into anti-government demonstrations across Kazakhstan. Hundreds of people were killed in the ensuing crackdown by security forces. RFE/RL talked to journalist Cheryl L. Reed, who talked to local reporters about the events.

Almaty’s journalists witnessed Kazakhstan’s largest city roil with protests, peaceful at first, then become engulfed in deepening anger and shocking violence. 

Journalists and others faced questions, fines, and jail cells after covering protests in Kazakhstan.

As protests persisted in early January 2022, police began to crack down on protesters and summon journalists for questioning.

As 2022 began, unrest sparked in a familiar cauldron in western Kazakhstan’s discontented oil towns.