Kazakhstan's external and internal enemies planned to seize power during the mass riots in January, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in an address to the nation on Wednesday.
"Arrant criminals, armed gangs, and renegade officials have created an underground group. Our external and internal enemies conspired to seize power. They deliberately incited the population," Tokayev said of the January riots.
The riots in Kazakhstan were aimed at toppling the country's incumbent leadership and those responsible will be punished, he said.
The investigation into the conspiracy of security forces during the January events in Kazakhstan continues. "The investigation into the conspiracy of security forces and their accomplices continues at an intensive pace in secrecy. A lot of work with witnesses, expert examinations and the study of various data lies ahead," Tokayev said.
Tokayev also proposed legislating the termination of the president's membership in Kazakhstan's ruling party during his term. He said the country would impose a ban on the president's relatives holding high posts.
In early January, there were mass disorders in Kazakhstan, with participants attacking the police and military. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said a coup attempt has occurred and asked for help from the CSTO. The situation stabilized by January 7, and the state of emergency was lifted countrywide on January 19. According to the authorities, 230 people were killed and more than 4,500 were injured as a result of these events.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS