VIDEO: Protesters Storm Almaty City Hall; Fire Breaks Out in Building

In Almaty, protesters have stormed the city hall building. The demonstrators are armed with wooden sticks and shields. Eyewitnesses have confirmed to TASS that today, protesters attempted to attack the Almaty city administration building.

"There are sounds of stun grenades coming from the square, very loud and frequent; many people have come to storm the administrative buildings. They are attacking the akimat, young people with bats and pipes are moving from various streets toward the site, and security forces are surrounding them. There are clashes, riots, and shops are closed today," reported agency sources.

It has also been reported that a fire has started in the Almaty city administration building where protesters have invaded.

Recall that Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared a state of emergency in Almaty region in connection with the unrest that occurred overnight. The corresponding decree has been published on the president's official website.

Protests in Kazakhstan began in the first days of the new year. Residents of Zhanaozen and Aktau cities took to the streets to protest against the doubling of liquid gas prices.

Tokayev has instructed to create a commission to investigate the situation, which on January 4 announced its readiness to meet the main demands of the protesters by reducing gas prices. However, the protests have spread to other cities.

On January 4 in Almaty, protesters organized clashes with security personnel, who responded with tear gas and stun grenades. Meanwhile, in the center of Almaty, protesters are gathering again. Videos posted on social media show a group of young people, one of whom is holding a special police shield, which they likely seized during yesterday's clashes. Some march participants are using special vehicles that may also belong to the security forces.