Between 17 and 19 May at least 24 people have been arrested in different parts of Kazakhstan: Manas Abdimanap, Makhambet Abzhan, Moldir Adilova, Suyundyk Aldabergenov, Baurzhan Alipkaliev, Ibrakhim Al’serke, Talgat Ayan, Maks Bokaev, Aibolat Bukenov, Zhadyra Dyuisenbekova, Zhanat Esentaev, Maksat Il’yasuly, Farida Ishmukhametova, Geroikhan Kistaubaev, Kasym Kozhantaev, Daniyar Kultaev, Kuat Kunbolatov, Aslan Kurmanbaev, Kurmangazy Rakhmetov, Kuanish Sultanalin, Kenzhebek Sultanbekov, Bakhitzhan Toregozhina, Marat Uatkan and Isatai Utepov.
They
were all arrested after stating their intention – mainly through posts
on social media – to participate in peaceful demonstrations planned
across the country for 21 May. In some cases, they were also encouraging
others to participate in the demonstrations. Their arrests follow
several weeks of rallies against unpopular planned changes to
Kazakhstan’s Land Code, which have taken place across the country and
during which no violence by protesters was reported.
Click here for more INFORMATION and URGENT ACTION.
Also see:
- Kazakhstan Takes Autocratic Turn With Mass Arrests, Eurasianet.org, May 21, 2016
- New Arrests In Kazakhstan As Planned Protests Near, Radio Free Europe, May 24, 2016
Kazakhstan Arrests Organizers of Attempted Protests, Associated Press, May 21, 2016
