Kazakhstan, Astana, Dec.16 / Trend, K. Konyrova /
Mass riots took place in the Kazakh city of Zhanaozen in the Mangistau region as a result of criminal acts of a group of individuals on Dec. 16, Kazakh Prosecutor General's Office said.
"In particular, Independence Day celebrations in the city's central square were ruined and a mobile stage was destroyed. Two police officers were also injured," the report says.
According to the Kazakh Prosecutor General's Office, reports on social networks about a shoot-out and victims are not true.
"Law enforcement agencies take all necessary measures to prevent criminal acts. A case has been filed regarding the riots. An investigation team headed by the Kazakh Interior Minister has been set up," the press release says.
At the same time Kazakhstan's Prosecutor General's Office has asked Zhanaozen residents to temporarily refrain from visiting crowded places.