Police detained dozens of people in Kazakhstan’s two main cities on December 16 during protests demanding political reforms, the release of political prisoners, and the sidelining of the family of former President Nursultan Nazarbaev. Although Nazarbaev resigned in March, he continues to exercise significant political influence.
'Old Man, Go Away!' Dozens Detained At Kazakh Protests
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The protests coincided with two major anniversaries in modern Kazakh history: the 1986 anti-Soviet demonstrations in Almaty, and the 2011 deadly police crackdown against protesting oil workers in the southwestern town of Zhanaozen. At least 14 oil workers died in the crackdown.
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A participant in the rally in Almaty on December 16.
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Activists of the youth movement Oyan, Qazaqstan (Wake Up, Kazakhstan) are seen at the Independence Monument in Almaty on December 16.
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Protestors chant in front of Almaty's Independence Monument. Chants included, "Kazakhstan Without Nazarbaev" and, "Old Man, Go Away!"