Kazakhstan cuts internet after protests force entire government to resign

Internet access has been cut in Kazakhstan by the government following a series of escalating protests sparked by rising fuel prices, according to the BBC.  The outlet notes that "There are reports that security forces have sided with protesters in some places."

These protests are continuing to occur despite the president accepting the resignation of his entire government. The president has also ordered his cabinet to reinstate price controls on fuel, as well as creating measures that would help the country's poor.

Protestors have stormed the mayors office and set the building on fire in the capitol city. Having said that, these protests have spread to other major cities in the country.

Police are using typical tactics to stop the worst of the protests, using tear gas and stun grenades.

During a state broadcast the president of the country said that he was "obliged to protect the safety and peace of our citizens, to worry about the integrity of Kazakhstan."

He has also called protestors "plotters" and said that their actions had financial motivations.

The country declared a state of emergency, yet this did not calm the tension. Enormous protests continued in cities around the country, leading to the internet blackout.

White House official Ron Klain has reportedly told President Joe Biden to not publicly back Kazakhstan protestors.

This is due to the threat that Conservatives may call the White House out for out for January 6 hypocrisy, Klain reportedly said.