Kazakhstan: Police arrest scores of anti-government protesters nationwide July 6 /update 1

Event

Police arrested some 200 anti-government protesters across Kazakhstan on Saturday, July 6, amid demonstrations organized by the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK) opposition movement. Protesters clashed with police in Nur-Sultan and Almaty, where the largest gatherings took place. Demonstrations and detentions by security forces were also reported in Karaganda, Uralsk, and Shymkent. 

Further demonstrations are possible over the coming weeks and months. 

Context

Political tensions are high in Kazakhstan after a political transition which culminated in the election of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the hand-picked successor of former President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Around 500 people were detained by the police during demonstrations ahead of the snap presidential elections in June.

Nazarbayev announced his resignation from the office of the presidency after 29 years effective March 20; he remains the chair of the country's Security Council and the ruling Nur-Otan party. 

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 political gatherings as a precaution, anticipate similar protests and associated disruptions over the coming weeks, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.