Kazakhstan Says It Foiled Coup Plot, Ten Detained in Atyrau

In brief

• Kazakhstan's security committee says it detained ten people in Atyrau on suspicion of plotting to forcibly change the constitutional order.
• Searches reportedly turned up firearms, narcotics and religious materials, and three underground training centres for children were shut down.
• President Tokayev commented on the case during a meeting with security officials.

Ten detained in Atyrau

The KNB said the detentions took place on October 30 as part of a pre-trial investigation coordinated with prosecutors (В Казахстане заявили о предотвращении госпереворота – Charter 97) (У Казахстане заявілі пра прадухіленне дзяржперавароту – Nasza Niwa) (В Казахстане задержали 10 человек, подозреваемых в попытке насильственного изменения конституционного строя на западе страны – NV). The suspects are accused of setting up an extremist group, leading it and taking part in its activities, as well as promoting terrorism and inciting religious hostility.

Weapons and materials seized

During searches of the suspects' homes, officers seized firearms, narcotics, religious paraphernalia and literature, along with other items the agency described as evidence.

Underground training centres

Security forces also shut down three clandestine training centres for children and teenagers that, according to the KNB, were set up by members of the group.

Criminal records

The agency said some of the participants had previous convictions for terrorism and ordinary criminal offences. It did not disclose further details about the case.

Presidential comment

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev commented on the situation during a meeting with members of the security services. Reports of his remarks were still being published at the time of writing.