KAZAKHSTAN. Almaty. January 2022. People have been standing outside the Isolation Ward Temporary Detention Center for several hours. There were several women who came alone, in search of their sons or husbands. Relatives of people who had gone missing or were arrested during the protests. They were talking to each other, sharing stories, advice and information on what they could do.

There was a guard posted approximately 50 meters away from the gates, and visitors are only allowed to go through 2 or 3 at a time – in the attempts to find out if their family members are listed, and to pass on food and warm clothes.

225 people were killed (including soldiers and police officers) and 4,578 wounded; nearly 12,000 people have been detained in Kazakhstan in massive riots across the country, according to authorities.