Kazakhstan: Opposition groups to protest in Nur-Sultan and Almaty Feb. 28

Event

Activists affiliated with several opposition groups plan to protest in Nur-Sultan and Almaty Feb. 28. Participants will gather at around 1300 outside the Zhastar Palace on Republic Avenue in Nur-Sultan. In Almaty, demonstrators will assemble at Gorky Park at 1300 before marching through the city center. Both events will likely end by 1500. Smaller demonstrations are possible in other cities.

Although the events will probably transpire without major incident, increased security could prompt localized disruptions. It is unclear whether the gatherings have been authorized; police are highly likely to disperse unauthorized protests and will not hesitate to use force if resisted. Security forces could disperse even authorized demonstrations if participants become disruptive or demonstrate beyond the agreed timings or venues.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a routine precaution and to mitigate related disruptions. Leave the area immediately at the first sign of a confrontation.