Kassym Jomart Tokayev gave an interview to Egemen Qazaqstan, El.kz reports.
Kazakh President answered the questions concerning January 2022 events.
During the January events, over 3,000 weapons were stolen, including machine guns and even grenade launchers. In addition, transport infrastructure and telecommunications facilities were attacked. Bandits and terrorists acted in an organized manner, in close coordination with each other.
“Extremists, criminals, and religious radicals took part in the coup attempt. Their aim was to sow fear among citizens, disorganize State institutions, undermine the constitutional order and, ultimately, seize power.
The situation at that time was extremely difficult and tense – the country was close to chaos. In order to prevent this, all measures were controlled by me personally, hourly and around the clock. The Ministry of Internal Affairs received information about the preparation of various attacks on Akorda, including the use of trucks. I was repeatedly advised to leave the residence, even to evacuate abroad, but I strongly disagreed with this and in one of my televised addresses I said that under any circumstances I would remain at my workplace.
For two weeks I was in Akorda. Operational meetings were held both late at night and early in the morning. In those days, the most important task was to preserve our state, restore the rule of law and order in the country," the President said.