[Right & Free] Kazakhstan's former head of counter-intelligence and anti-terrorism, Karim Masimov, has been arrested on charges of attempting to overthrow the Kazakhstani government. Authorities say security forces killed 26 demonstrators during the two week period of civil unrest, but independent sources estimate a total closer to 160 deaths.A U.S. funded BSL-3 laboratory in Kazakhstan that studies viral strains, including COVID-19, is reported to have fallen into the hands of protestors during the uprising. Kazakhstani officials have denied reports that the controversial $102 million dollar laboratory was compromised — however, Russian media outlets reported a potential leak of deadly pathogens — similar to what some think may have occurred in 2019 at China’s virology laboratory in Wuhan, which set off a global pandemic.
Several Kazakhstani government offices, an airport and multiple buildings of interest were overtaken temporarily by government-opposed demonstrators during the two week incursion. Official Russian news agencies pointed out multiple social media reports claiming the Level-3 lab was overtaken by unidentified individuals near the deadly viral laboratory, including some seen wearing chemical protection suits.
Reports cited well-coordinated armed groups alongside protesters. Photos have emerged of weapons seized in the riots, and nearly 6,000 individuals have been detained - many being foreign nationals. It is not clear at this time where the alleged foreign provocateurs are from.