06 May 2021 | 01:49 PM UTC
Kazakhstan: Banned opposition group calls for protests in multiple cities May 7-9
Banned political party calls for protests in urban centers across Kazakhstan May 7-9. Tight security, disruptions likely. Violence possible.
Event
Banned opposition party, the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK), has called for daily demonstrations in urban centers across Kazakhstan May 7-9. The DVK plans to denounce the arrests of political activists ahead of rallies that were set to take place in multiple urban centers on May 1. Rallies are scheduled on consecutive days in each location in two stages, 13:00-16:00 and 18:00-21:00. Details of the likely most disruptive events are as follows:
13:00-16:00
Nur-Sultan: Rally in Central Park opposite the Tennis Federation
Almaty: Rally in Gorky Park near the Gogol Street entrance
Shymkent: Rally at the Memorial of Glory in Abay Park
Aktobe: Rally at the Central Market on Valikhanov Street
Karaganda: Rally at the Stele of Independence on Alikhanov Street
18:00-21:00
Nur-Sultan: Rally at the Kenesary Khan monument on the Right Embankment
Almaty: Rally at the Arbat store on Zhibek-Zholy Street and a separate rally in the First President's Park
Shymkent: Rally at Arbat on Beybitshilik Avenue
Aktobe: Rally at the Central Stadium on Abulkhair Khan Street
Karaganda: Rally in Central Park
Related rallies are highly likely in smaller urban centers, including Semey, Ust-Kamenogorsk, and Aktau. Localized disruptions and tight security is likely in the vicinity of all opposition protests. 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.
