Demonstrators & police clash in Almaty

Clashes broke out at a protest over housing issues in Almaty on 16 December 2008. Approximately 400 people were participating in the demonstration on Republic Square, calling for the government's resignation, when police officers attempted to arrest the leader of the action, prompting the clashes. The protest leader -- who is also the head of a local unregistered NGO -- was detained, but it is not known if there were any further arrests or injuries.