The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning to Kazakhstan after one of its nationals was killed in the violent protests that have shaken the Central Asian nation since last week.
The Ministry advised Israelis against non-essential visits to Kazakhstan and said those considering coming to the country are advised to exercise extra caution.
Israeli citizens residing in the country were advised to refrain from attending mass gatherings, restrict movements and travel, including moving from work from home if possible, and follow government guidelines.
The Ministry had announced that 22-year-old Israeli man named Levan Kogeashvili was killed near his home in Almaty on Friday.
Kogeashvili’s family said the man was not involved in the civil unrest that has gripped the central Asian state for several days.
Levan is the son of an Israeli businessman from the southern city of Ashdod. He moved to Kazakhstan with his family in 2018, where they established a real estate company.
Over a year ago, the man had married a Jewish Kazakhstani woman, and the couple has a young son around half a year old.
Levan’s family said he was struck by gunfire while he was driving his car with two of his Kazakh friends, who were slightly injured.
“We don’t know if he was shut by protesters or government forces,” one of his family members said, adding that the accident happened during a curfew imposed in the city.
Since January 2, Kazakhstan witnessed protests angered by a New Year’s Day fuel price rise.
The protesters have stormed and torched public buildings and have seized control of the airport in Almaty, Kazakhstan's biggest city.
The cabinet resigned on Wednesday, but that failed to quell the demonstrations, which have quickly come to encompass wider political demands beyond gas prices.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s President Kasem Zhomart has declared a state of emergency for two weeks, until January 19, in Almaty and western Mangistau province, to safeguard security, local media reported.
