Kazakhstan conflict explained: What sparked the protests?

Protests started in the west of the country and they quickly turned violent and spread across the country.

Initially, these were triggered by the hike in fuel prices, but pent up anger at the government’s corruption, inequality and the crippling poverty most citizens face triggered a more general protest and demand for change.

Protestors are angry with their leader Mr Tokayev and his predecessor Nursultan Nazarbayev, who still has a huge influence.

The protestors are demanding better standards of living and reform of their corrupt system of government.