Kazakhstan: Demonstrations planned by banned political movement May 1

Event

Demonstrations organized by the banned Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK) movement are planned nationwide from 13:00 (local time) on Wednesday, May 1. DVK supporters will reportedly rally to denounce several recent government directives, including the renaming of the capital, and to boycott the June 9 snap presidential elections.

A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are likely near the demonstration. Clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out. 

Context

On March 19, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev announced his resignation from the office of the presidency effective March 20. In a televised address on March 19, Nazarbayev, who will remain chair of the country's Security Council and the ruling Nur-Otan party, indicated the speaker of the upper parliament chamber Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev would be named interim president. Protesters clashed with police during anti-government protests in Nursultan (formerly Astana) on March 21, arresting roughly 20 people. 

Kazakhstan's law on public assembly is highly restrictive and effectively denies citizens the right to protest. Nevertheless, mass protests do occasionally take place in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Kazakhstan are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.