The number of law enforcement officers killed during protests in Kazakhstan has increased to 18, the Kazakh news agency Tengrinews.kz reported on Thursday citing the Kazakh Interior Ministry.

748 police officers and soldiers were hurt, according to the news oultlet.

A total of 2,298 demonstrators were held across the country, according to the agency.&nbsp;

Kazakhstan's Internal Affairs Ministry has said that those who refuse to lay down their arms will be killed.

According to Russian news agencies Interfax and RIA Novosti, Kazakhstan's Khabar 24 news station reported the death toll as of midday, claiming that the body of one of the slain security officials was discovered with its head chopped off.&nbsp;

As Moscow-led soldiers deployed to assist in suppressing major unrest that left dozens dead and hundreds jailed, bursts of gunfire resonated through the streets of Kazakhstan's main city on Thursday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nationwide-emergency-declared-in-kazakhstan-us-and-un-urge-restraint-442526">Also Read:&nbsp;Nationwide emergency declared in Kazakhstan, US and UN urge restraint</a>

A day after demonstrators stormed multiple government buildings, fighting appeared to be continuing, with an AFP correspondent hearing regular bursts of gunfire from the direction of a central square. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-protests-over-fuel-price-hike-kazakhstan-declares-state-of-emergency-in-cities-hit-by-unrest-442311">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid protests over fuel price hike, Kazakhstan declares state of emergency&nbsp;</a>

The streets of Almaty were littered with burned-out automobiles, numerous government buildings were in ruins, and bullet shells littered the grounds of the presidential palace, which had been assaulted and ransacked by demonstrators on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kazakhstan-protests-create-a-new-headache-for-putin-442752/embed" width="560"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of law enforcement officers killed during protests in Kazakhstan has increased to 18, the Kazakh news agency Tengrinews.kz reported on Thursday citing the Kazakh Interior Ministry.

The number of law enforcement officers killed during protests in Kazakhstan has increased to 18, the Kazakh news agency Tengrinews.kz reported on Thursday citing the Kazakh Interior Ministry. 748 police officers and soldiers were hurt, according to the news oultlet. A total of 2,298 demonstrators were held across the country, according to the agency. Kazakhstan's Internal Affairs Ministry has said that those who refuse to lay down their arms will be killed. According to Russian news agencies Interfax and RIA Novosti, Kazakhstan's Khabar 24 news station reported the death toll as of midday, claiming that the body of one of the slain security officials was discovered with its head chopped off. As Moscow-led soldiers deployed to assist in suppressing major unrest that left dozens dead and hundreds jailed, bursts of gunfire resonated through the streets of Kazakhstan's main city on Thursday. Also Read: Nationwide emergency declared in Kazakhstan, US and UN urge restraint A day after demonstrators stormed multiple government buildings, fighting appeared to be continuing, with an AFP correspondent hearing regular bursts of gunfire from the direction of a central square. Also Read: Amid protests over fuel price hike, Kazakhstan declares state of emergency The streets of Almaty were littered with burned-out automobiles, numerous government buildings were in ruins, and bullet shells littered the grounds of the presidential palace, which had been assaulted and ransacked by demonstrators on Wednesday. Watch | Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin (With inputs from agencies)

Those who don't shun violence will be killed, says Kazakh govt as 18 troops die

Following recent violent protests in Kazakhstan, a state of emergency has been declared, with troops from a Russian-led military alliance heading to the Central Asian country to assist in quelling the unrest.&nbsp;

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's authoritarian regime has been rocked by protests over a significant jump in fuel prices, and Russian paratroopers are on the ground in Kazakhstan, offering support.

Tokayev has ordered security forces to shoot without warning, according to Tokayev's statement on Friday.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakh-president-tokayev-to-troops-open-fire-to-kill-terrorists-without-warning-442892">Also read | Kazakh President Tokayev to troops: 'Open fire to kill terrorists without warning'</a>

The following are the specifics of the current hot topic:&nbsp;

Kazakhstan's importance and impact on global geopolitics

Kazakhstan is bordered to the north by Russia and to the east by China.It is a massive country the size of Western Europe, dwarfing the other former Soviet republics of Central Asia in terms of land mass.

It has substantial mineral resources, accounting for 3% of global oil reserves and having significant coal and gas industries.It is a predominantly Muslim republic with a sizable Russian minority that has largely avoided the civil wars that have afflicted other parts of Central Asia.

The administration has been rocked by fuel riots, which have resulted in top-level resignations and a deadly crackdown on protestors.&nbsp;

What caused this uproar?

A policy adjustment in the pricing of liquefied petroleum gas, which many people use to power their cars, removed subsidies and enabled markets to set fuel costs.

In a matter of days, prices skyrocketed.Fuel prices have risen in the region where the protests began.

Is it simply about gas prices that people are protesting?

Not at all.The crisis occurs against a backdrop of growing labour costs and occasional ethnic unrest in a country where the vast majority of the population benefits little from the country's vast oil resources on a daily basis.

For years, low salaries, late paychecks, bad working conditions, environmental devastation, and widespread corruption have been issues.

The epidemic exacerbated these problems, exposing a chronically underfunded, incompetent, and corrupt healthcare system while also sending the economy into a tailspin.

Why did enraged protestors turn against the government so quickly?

The demonstrations follow a period of repression.The Nazarbayev government has promised systemic change for decades, including enhanced political liberties, judicial reform, stronger governance, and anti-corruption efforts.

When Tokayev gained office in 2019, he continued this trend of promising reform, even touring the country on a "listening tour."

On the other hand, instead of opening up society, Tokayev clamped down on opposition.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kazakhstan-protests-create-a-new-headache-for-putin-442752/embed" width="560"></iframe>

So, what's next?

The situation is still volatile, and the role of Kazakhstan's special security forces will be crucial in determining how it ends.

Several members of those forces were reportedly killed in clashes this week, and the security services saw a leadership change as a result of the government reshuffle. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/those-who-dont-shun-violence-will-be-killed-says-kazakh-govt-as-18-troops-die-442733">Also read | Those who don't shun violence will be killed, says Kazakh govt as 18 troops die</a>

On the other hand, the social compact between the state and the people has been plainly shattered.

Real reform is required for Kazakhstan to return to stability, albeit it is unknown who will be available and capable of bringing such a transformation about.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Following recent violent protests in Kazakhstan, a state of emergency has been declared, with troops from a Russian-led military alliance heading to the Central Asian country to assist in quelling the unrest.

Following recent violent protests in Kazakhstan, a state of emergency has been declared, with troops from a Russian-led military alliance heading to the Central Asian country to assist in quelling the unrest. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's authoritarian regime has been rocked by protests over a significant jump in fuel prices, and Russian paratroopers are on the ground in Kazakhstan, offering support. Tokayev has ordered security forces to shoot without warning, according to Tokayev's statement on Friday. Also read | Kazakh President Tokayev to troops: 'Open fire to kill terrorists without warning' The following are the specifics of the current hot topic: Kazakhstan's importance and impact on global geopolitics Kazakhstan is bordered to the north by Russia and to the east by China.It is a massive country the size of Western Europe, dwarfing the other former Soviet republics of Central Asia in terms of land mass. It has substantial mineral resources, accounting for 3% of global oil reserves and having significant coal and gas industries.It is a predominantly Muslim republic with a sizable Russian minority that has largely avoided the civil wars that have afflicted other parts of Central Asia. The administration has been rocked by fuel riots, which have resulted in top-level resignations and a deadly crackdown on protestors. What caused this uproar? A policy adjustment in the pricing of liquefied petroleum gas, which many people use to power their cars, removed subsidies and enabled markets to set fuel costs. In a matter of days, prices skyrocketed.Fuel prices have risen in the region where the protests began. Is it simply about gas prices that people are protesting? Not at all.The crisis occurs against a backdrop of growing labour costs and occasional ethnic unrest in a country where the vast majority of the population benefits little from the country's vast oil resources on a daily basis. For years, low salaries, late paychecks, bad working conditions, environmental devastation, and widespread corruption have been issues. The epidemic exacerbated these problems, exposing a chronically underfunded, incompetent, and corrupt healthcare system while also sending the economy into a tailspin. Why did enraged protestors turn against the government so quickly? The demonstrations follow a period of repression.The Nazarbayev government has promised systemic change for decades, including enhanced political liberties, judicial reform, stronger governance, and anti-corruption efforts. When Tokayev gained office in 2019, he continued this trend of promising reform, even touring the country on a "listening tour." On the other hand, instead of opening up society, Tokayev clamped down on opposition. Watch | Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin So, what's next? The situation is still volatile, and the role of Kazakhstan's special security forces will be crucial in determining how it ends. Several members of those forces were reportedly killed in clashes this week, and the security services saw a leadership change as a result of the government reshuffle. Also read | Those who don't shun violence will be killed, says Kazakh govt as 18 troops die On the other hand, the social compact between the state and the people has been plainly shattered. Real reform is required for Kazakhstan to return to stability, albeit it is unknown who will be available and capable of bringing such a transformation about. (With inputs from agencies)

Kazakhstan unrest: What sparked the protests and how they will affect global geopolitics

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the president of Kazakhstan, announced on Friday that he has instructed the military and law enforcement agencies to use lethal force against terrorists, firing without warning.&nbsp;

In a televised address to the nation, Tokayev said, "I gave the order to law enforcement agencies and the army to open fire to kill without warning."

He also blasted calls for talks with the protesters made by some other countries as "nonsense." "What negotiations can be held with criminals or murderers?" Tokayev said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/those-who-dont-shun-violence-will-be-killed-says-kazakh-govt-as-18-troops-die-442733">Also read | Those who don't shun violence will be killed, says Kazakh govt as 18 troops die</a>

According to Tokayev, at least 20,000 gunmen attacked Almaty. He said that the armed rioters were trained and coordinated by one centre and that the terrorists would be eliminated if they refused to surrender.

The president also blamed "so-called" independent" media" and "foreign agents" for inciting the unrest, and vowed to retaliate harshly if law and order were violated.&nbsp;

Tokayev congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin for responding quickly to his request for peacekeepers, emphasising that the CSTO forces will only be in the country for a limited period of time.

He also stated that the authorities were aware of peaceful protestors' demands before the riots erupted and announced reforms, stating that he will deliver a statement on the current crisis in the nation's parliament on January 11th.

The country's mass protests began in early January, when citizens took to the streets to protest rising petrol prices.

The disturbance subsequently expanded to neighbouring cities, culminating in looting, burning, and vandalism, as well as violent fights with the police.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people rushed to the mayor's office and the ancient presidential mansion in Almaty, Kazakhstan's old capital and largest city.

Multiple instances of attacks on police officers and troops have surfaced.

Tokayev requested aid from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), which is sending peacekeeping personnel to defend critical objects in the country, in order to stop the bloodshed.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kazakhstan-protests-create-a-new-headache-for-putin-442752/embed" width="560"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the president of Kazakhstan, announced on Friday that he has instructed the military and law enforcement agencies to use lethal force against terrorists, firing without warning.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the president of Kazakhstan, announced on Friday that he has instructed the military and law enforcement agencies to use lethal force against terrorists, firing without warning. In a televised address to the nation, Tokayev said, "I gave the order to law enforcement agencies and the army to open fire to kill without warning." He also blasted calls for talks with the protesters made by some other countries as "nonsense." "What negotiations can be held with criminals or murderers?" Tokayev said. Also read | Those who don't shun violence will be killed, says Kazakh govt as 18 troops die According to Tokayev, at least 20,000 gunmen attacked Almaty. He said that the armed rioters were trained and coordinated by one centre and that the terrorists would be eliminated if they refused to surrender. The president also blamed "so-called" independent" media" and "foreign agents" for inciting the unrest, and vowed to retaliate harshly if law and order were violated. Tokayev congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin for responding quickly to his request for peacekeepers, emphasising that the CSTO forces will only be in the country for a limited period of time. He also stated that the authorities were aware of peaceful protestors' demands before the riots erupted and announced reforms, stating that he will deliver a statement on the current crisis in the nation's parliament on January 11th. The country's mass protests began in early January, when citizens took to the streets to protest rising petrol prices. The disturbance subsequently expanded to neighbouring cities, culminating in looting, burning, and vandalism, as well as violent fights with the police. Hundreds of people rushed to the mayor's office and the ancient presidential mansion in Almaty, Kazakhstan's old capital and largest city. Multiple instances of attacks on police officers and troops have surfaced. Tokayev requested aid from the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO), which is sending peacekeeping personnel to defend critical objects in the country, in order to stop the bloodshed. Watch | Gravitas: Kazakhstan protests create a new headache for Putin (With inputs from agencies)

Kazakh President Tokayev to troops: 'Open fire to kill terrorists without warning'

At least 1,000 people were wounded and several killed in&nbsp;Kazakhstan during anti-government protests against rising fuel prices which has widened into&nbsp;large scale nationwide demonstrations.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev who has been facing heat from protesters appealed for help from Russian-led Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) as Russia&nbsp;sent paratroopers and military units. The president's cabinet had resigned earlier.

CSTO said it had sent "peacekeeping forces" to Kazakhstan for a "limited time to stabilise and normalise the situation".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nationwide-emergency-declared-in-kazakhstan-us-and-un-urge-restraint-442526">Also Read:&nbsp;Nationwide emergency declared in Kazakhstan, US and UN urge restraint</a>

Meanwhile, reports claimed at least twelve security officials were killed in the unrest.&nbsp;

Protests have continued as demonstrators took control of Almaty airport even as Tokayev declared that the protesters were "terrorist gangs".

Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;Kazakhstan PM &amp; his cabinet resign&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kazakhstan-pm-his-cabinet-resign-after-protests-over-rising-fuel-prices-turned-violent-442568/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Armed troops clashed with protesters in Almaty's main square as protests continued for the third day. Russia's TASS news agency said at least 400 protesters were hospitalised.

As protests raged, Tokayev said: "It is an undermining of the integrity of the state and most importantly it is an attack on our citizens who are asking me to help them urgently."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-protests-over-fuel-price-hike-kazakhstan-declares-state-of-emergency-in-cities-hit-by-unrest-442311">Also Read:&nbsp;Amid protests over fuel price hike, Kazakhstan declares state of emergency&nbsp;</a>

Reports claimed internet services were down with banks suspending work due to increased violence in the streets.

(With inputs from Agencies)

At least 1,000 people were wounded and several killed in Kazakhstan during anti-government protests against rising fuel prices which has widened into large scale nationwide demonstrations.

At least 1,000 people were wounded and several killed in Kazakhstan during anti-government protests against rising fuel prices which has widened into large scale nationwide demonstrations. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev who has been facing heat from protesters appealed for help from Russian-led Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) as Russia sent paratroopers and military units. The president's cabinet had resigned earlier. CSTO said it had sent "peacekeeping forces" to Kazakhstan for a "limited time to stabilise and normalise the situation". Also Read: Nationwide emergency declared in Kazakhstan, US and UN urge restraint Meanwhile, reports claimed at least twelve security officials were killed in the unrest. Protests have continued as demonstrators took control of Almaty airport even as Tokayev declared that the protesters were "terrorist gangs". Watch: Kazakhstan PM & his cabinet resign Armed troops clashed with protesters in Almaty's main square as protests continued for the third day. Russia's TASS news agency said at least 400 protesters were hospitalised. As protests raged, Tokayev said: "It is an undermining of the integrity of the state and most importantly it is an attack on our citizens who are asking me to help them urgently." Also Read: Amid protests over fuel price hike, Kazakhstan declares state of emergency Reports claimed internet services were down with banks suspending work due to increased violence in the streets. (With inputs from Agencies)

Security officials killed in Kazakhstan protests; Russian alliance sends troops

Kazakhstan abolished the death penalty, making permanent a nearly two-decade freeze on capital punishment in the authoritarian Central Asian country, a notice on the presidential website said Saturday.&nbsp;

The notice said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had signed off on parliamentary ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights -- a document that commits signatories to the abolition of capital punishment.&nbsp;

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-bans-new-year-parties-to-contain-coronavirus-351216">&nbsp;Kazakhstan bans new year parties to contain coronavirus</a>

Executions were paused in Kazakhstan from 2003 but courts continued to sentence convicts to death in exceptional circumstances, including for crimes deemed acts of terror. &nbsp;

Ruslan Kulekbayev, a lone gunman who killed eight policemen and two civilians during a rampage in Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty in 2016, was among the convicts set to be executed if the moratorium were lifted.

Kulekbayev will now serve a life sentence in jail instead. &nbsp;

Kazakhstan abolished the death penalty, making permanent a nearly two-decade freeze on capital punishment in the authoritarian Central Asian country, a notice on the presidential website said Saturday.

Kazakhstan abolished the death penalty, making permanent a nearly two-decade freeze on capital punishment in the authoritarian Central Asian country, a notice on the presidential website said Saturday. The notice said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had signed off on parliamentary ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights -- a document that commits signatories to the abolition of capital punishment. Also read| Kazakhstan bans new year parties to contain coronavirus Executions were paused in Kazakhstan from 2003 but courts continued to sentence convicts to death in exceptional circumstances, including for crimes deemed acts of terror. Ruslan Kulekbayev, a lone gunman who killed eight policemen and two civilians during a rampage in Kazakhstan's largest city Almaty in 2016, was among the convicts set to be executed if the moratorium were lifted. Kulekbayev will now serve a life sentence in jail instead.

Kazakhstan abolishes death penalty

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the hand-picked successor to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-elects-new-leader-as-hundreds-arrested-in-protests-225813">Kazakhstan's longtime ruler</a>, was inaugurated as president Wednesday after winning an election marred by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kazakh-activists-call-for-more-protests-over-presidential-vote-226288">police crackdown</a> and slammed by foreign monitors for "voting irregularities".

The career diplomat became only the country's second elected president, succeeding 78-year-old Nursultan Nazarbayev, who stepped down in March after ruling since Soviet times.

During the inauguration in the capital Nur-Sultan, Tokayev, 66, pledged that "different opinions, united nation" would be a slogan of his presidency.

He was shown kissing the state flag in a ceremony broadcast on state television that was watched over by Nazarbayev and marked in ceremonial pomp by the national anthem and artillery salutes.&nbsp;

Speaking in both Kazakh and Russian during the ceremony, Tokayev said that the results of Sunday's polls which he won with over 70 per cent of the vote showed that the people had "supported the strategy of Elbasy", which translates from Kazakh as 'Leader of the Nation' and refers to Nazarbayev's constitutionally designated status.&nbsp;

Nazarbayev's announcement that he was stepping down and naming Tokayev interim leader shocked Kazakhs who had lived under his rule for almost 30 years.

But the strongman, who turned the country of 18 million people into an energy powerhouse while governing with little tolerance for the opposition, is still expected to call the shots from behind the scenes.

Along with his role as 'Leader of the Nation', which affords him unique policymaking privileges, he is the lifelong chairman of the country's powerful security council and the leader of the ruling party that nominated Tokayev for the vote.

Protest mood

The interior ministry said that 500 citizens were arrested in protests called by Nazarbayev's foreign-based nemesis Mukhtar Ablyazov on Sunday, and a further 200 on Monday.

Some protesters on Sunday told AFP they did not identify with Ablyazov's banned Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DCK) movement but would continue to protest against a vote they view as illegitimate.&nbsp;

Observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe(OSCE) said Monday the election had been characterised by "a lack of regard for fundamental rights, including detentions of peaceful protesters, and widespread voting irregularities on election day."

Hundreds took to the streets on Monday in a protest unrelated to those called by Ablyazov, after a popular Kazakh poet was detained for calling an unsanctioned rally calling for the election results to be cancelled.

Rinat Zaitov, who has a strong following on social media, was later released, but scores of protesters continued to roam the streets of the country's largest city Almaty late into the night.&nbsp;

Large police military vehicles later surrounded the protesters as elite police forces made arrests.&nbsp;

'Dialogue with society'&nbsp;

Tokayev has pledged to create a "dialogue with society" as president but there are doubts over what he can achieve as a long-serving insider in a regime strongly resistant to political reforms.&nbsp;

On Wednesday he pledged to create a "national council of public trust" to increase public participation in policymaking.

He also pledged to "seriously refresh social policies" in comments that appear designed to head off the protest mood.

Public dissatisfaction with law enforcement has deepened since election day as internet users shared footage of elderly protesters being detained and some citizens unconnected to the protests being manhandled into a police van.

Several journalists, including two AFP correspondents, were also detained on election day as part of a police response that Tokayev has publicly supported. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Dimash Alzhanov, a political scientist and campaigner for police reform who was detained twice before being released on Sunday and Monday, told AFP Wednesday that he doubted Tokayev's pledge to boost civil society and grow public trust.&nbsp;

"(Tokayev) is illegitimate because he was elected with major violations. Before talking about public trust he should institute serious political reforms that show the system's relationship to citizens is changing," Alzhanov told AFP by telephone.&nbsp;

The country's state prosecutor warned Wednesday that protesters would continue to be detained for participating in "illegal" rallies, with further protests expected later in the day.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the hand-picked successor to Kazakhstan's longtime ruler, was inaugurated as president Wednesday after winning an election marred by a police crackdown and slammed by foreign monitors for "voting irregularities".

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the hand-picked successor to Kazakhstan's longtime ruler, was inaugurated as president Wednesday after winning an election marred by a police crackdown and slammed by foreign monitors for "voting irregularities". The career diplomat became only the country's second elected president, succeeding 78-year-old Nursultan Nazarbayev, who stepped down in March after ruling since Soviet times. During the inauguration in the capital Nur-Sultan, Tokayev, 66, pledged that "different opinions, united nation" would be a slogan of his presidency. He was shown kissing the state flag in a ceremony broadcast on state television that was watched over by Nazarbayev and marked in ceremonial pomp by the national anthem and artillery salutes. Speaking in both Kazakh and Russian during the ceremony, Tokayev said that the results of Sunday's polls which he won with over 70 per cent of the vote showed that the people had "supported the strategy of Elbasy", which translates from Kazakh as 'Leader of the Nation' and refers to Nazarbayev's constitutionally designated status. Nazarbayev's announcement that he was stepping down and naming Tokayev interim leader shocked Kazakhs who had lived under his rule for almost 30 years. But the strongman, who turned the country of 18 million people into an energy powerhouse while governing with little tolerance for the opposition, is still expected to call the shots from behind the scenes. Along with his role as 'Leader of the Nation', which affords him unique policymaking privileges, he is the lifelong chairman of the country's powerful security council and the leader of the ruling party that nominated Tokayev for the vote. Protest mood The interior ministry said that 500 citizens were arrested in protests called by Nazarbayev's foreign-based nemesis Mukhtar Ablyazov on Sunday, and a further 200 on Monday. Some protesters on Sunday told AFP they did not identify with Ablyazov's banned Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DCK) movement but would continue to protest against a vote they view as illegitimate. Observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe(OSCE) said Monday the election had been characterised by "a lack of regard for fundamental rights, including detentions of peaceful protesters, and widespread voting irregularities on election day." Hundreds took to the streets on Monday in a protest unrelated to those called by Ablyazov, after a popular Kazakh poet was detained for calling an unsanctioned rally calling for the election results to be cancelled. Rinat Zaitov, who has a strong following on social media, was later released, but scores of protesters continued to roam the streets of the country's largest city Almaty late into the night. Large police military vehicles later surrounded the protesters as elite police forces made arrests. 'Dialogue with society' Tokayev has pledged to create a "dialogue with society" as president but there are doubts over what he can achieve as a long-serving insider in a regime strongly resistant to political reforms. On Wednesday he pledged to create a "national council of public trust" to increase public participation in policymaking. He also pledged to "seriously refresh social policies" in comments that appear designed to head off the protest mood. Public dissatisfaction with law enforcement has deepened since election day as internet users shared footage of elderly protesters being detained and some citizens unconnected to the protests being manhandled into a police van. Several journalists, including two AFP correspondents, were also detained on election day as part of a police response that Tokayev has publicly supported. Dimash Alzhanov, a political scientist and campaigner for police reform who was detained twice before being released on Sunday and Monday, told AFP Wednesday that he doubted Tokayev's pledge to boost civil society and grow public trust. "(Tokayev) is illegitimate because he was elected with major violations. Before talking about public trust he should institute serious political reforms that show the system's relationship to citizens is changing," Alzhanov told AFP by telephone. The country's state prosecutor warned Wednesday that protesters would continue to be detained for participating in "illegal" rallies, with further protests expected later in the day.

Successor to longtime Kazakh ruler is sworn in as president

Police arrested several people in Kazakhstan's capital Thursday protesting a decision to rename the city in honour of Nursultan Nazarbayev who stepped down as president after three decades in office.&nbsp;

Career diplomat and political loyalist Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was sworn into office Wednesday less than 24 hours after Nursultan Nazarbayev, the only leader an independent Kazakhstan had ever known, suddenly announced he was stepping down.&nbsp;

Tokayev immediately proposed changing the name of the Central Asian nation's capital from Astana to Nursultan, or "Sultan of Light" in Kazakh, and parliament approved the change within hours.

On Thursday at least a dozen demonstrators protesting the name change close to the capital's mayoral office were arrested by police, one of the protesters told AFP. &nbsp;

They were subsequently released.&nbsp;

"There were around a dozen of us," Askhat Akhmedyarov, who is an artist, told AFP.

"They put us in a police van and took us to the police station where they checked our phones. They wanted to know if we had any ties to (the opposition)," he said.&nbsp;

"I am at home now," he confirmed, adding that he had not been fined by police.

The interior ministry did not comment on the arrests. &nbsp;

Public gatherings in Kazakhstan are illegal unless they receive permission from local authorities, which is almost never provided in the case of political demonstrations.

Akhmedyarov said he was protesting a name change that "showed Nazarbayev's insecurity."

"This is a person who has looted the country and left millions in poverty. Now he has named the capital after himself and put a puppet president in charge. Next he will probably try to put his daughter (in the presidency)," Akhmedyarov said.&nbsp;

"As a citizen, I have the right to have my voice heard on these issues."

Kazakhs have also been showing their opposition at the name change online.&nbsp;

One online petition against the name change had gathered close over 36,000 signatures as of Wednesday despite the petition website appearing to be blocked in Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

Kazakhstan's Senate on Wednesday also appointed Nazarbayev's eldest daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva as speaker, setting her up as a potential contender to succeed her father.

Tokayev, 65, will serve out the rest of Nazarbayev's mandate until elections due next year, though the former president retains significant powers in the country he ruled for nearly three decades.

Police arrested several people in Kazakhstan's capital Thursday protesting a decision to rename the city in honour of Nursultan Nazarbayev who stepped down as president after three decades in office.

Police arrested several people in Kazakhstan's capital Thursday protesting a decision to rename the city in honour of Nursultan Nazarbayev who stepped down as president after three decades in office. Career diplomat and political loyalist Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was sworn into office Wednesday less than 24 hours after Nursultan Nazarbayev, the only leader an independent Kazakhstan had ever known, suddenly announced he was stepping down. Tokayev immediately proposed changing the name of the Central Asian nation's capital from Astana to Nursultan, or "Sultan of Light" in Kazakh, and parliament approved the change within hours. On Thursday at least a dozen demonstrators protesting the name change close to the capital's mayoral office were arrested by police, one of the protesters told AFP. They were subsequently released. "There were around a dozen of us," Askhat Akhmedyarov, who is an artist, told AFP. "They put us in a police van and took us to the police station where they checked our phones. They wanted to know if we had any ties to (the opposition)," he said. "I am at home now," he confirmed, adding that he had not been fined by police. The interior ministry did not comment on the arrests. Public gatherings in Kazakhstan are illegal unless they receive permission from local authorities, which is almost never provided in the case of political demonstrations. Akhmedyarov said he was protesting a name change that "showed Nazarbayev's insecurity." "This is a person who has looted the country and left millions in poverty. Now he has named the capital after himself and put a puppet president in charge. Next he will probably try to put his daughter (in the presidency)," Akhmedyarov said. "As a citizen, I have the right to have my voice heard on these issues." Kazakhs have also been showing their opposition at the name change online. One online petition against the name change had gathered close over 36,000 signatures as of Wednesday despite the petition website appearing to be blocked in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's Senate on Wednesday also appointed Nazarbayev's eldest daughter Dariga Nazarbayeva as speaker, setting her up as a potential contender to succeed her father. Tokayev, 65, will serve out the rest of Nazarbayev's mandate until elections due next year, though the former president retains significant powers in the country he ruled for nearly three decades.

Several arrested in Kazakhstan protest at capital name change

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