Hidden abroad Ex-head “Bank Turan Alem” (BTA Bank) Mukhtar Ablyazov called himself the leader of the opposition and protests in the country. This reports Reuters.
According to a runaway Kazakhstan banker, protesters in Alma-Ata, every day ask him how to act.
Ablyazov said it is ready to return to Kazakhstan and lead the “temporary government” provided that the protest “will achieve the right coverage.” He also stressed that he did not receive funds from the West to coordinate protests.
Protests in Kazakhstan began on Sunday, January 2, due to the increase in gas prices for cars from 60 to 120 tenge (from 10 to 20 rubles) per liter. Soon the economic demands were replaced by political, including the resignation of the government. By January 5, the protests turned into mass riots. President of the Republic of Kasim-Zhomart Tokayev appealed to the CSTO with a request to send troops to protect the country from armed gangs.