ALMATY, February 16 (RIA Novosti) – Police detained three protesters at an unsanctioned rally in central Almaty, the largest city of Kazakhstan, against this week’s devaluation of the national currency.
Dozens of protesters gathered Sunday in front of the Monument of Independence in the former capital of Kazakhstan, urging government action over mounting economic problems.
Two journalists were held as they attempted to break through the crowd to the monument. Police also detained a female protester at the rally that lasted for around half an hour.
Another group of protesters were also detained Saturday in downtown Almaty at a rally against the energy-rich Central Asian country's decision to devalue the tenge by 18.9 percent Tuesday.
The devaluation of the tenge followed the weakening of the ruble, which last month fell to its lowest level against the dollar since March 2009, when it plummeted on fears of a deepening recession in the country.
Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov downplayed Wednesday the devaluation of Kazakhstan's currency, saying it will not affect the Russian economy.
Some analysts believe that the move by the oil-rich Kazakhstan is aimed at keeping its exports competitive on the global market.
