Kazakhstan: President Tokayev guarantees the unhindered holding of rallies
Kazakhstan has adopted a number of new laws aimed at further democratizing society, including the law on peaceful assemblies, which allows civil activists, including opposition-minded public activists, to freely hold rallies and freely express their opinions. This statement was made by the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during his message to the people of the republic.
“This innovation allowed to strengthen the sprouts of a new political culture, increase mutual responsibility and trust in society,” Tokayev said.
At the same time, he emphasized that certain groups of provocateurs ‘consider it necessary to violate this democratic law’.
“I officially declare that there will be no more indulgences! This law, as well as other laws of the republic, must be strictly observed. Our law-abiding citizens have already paid too high price for such lack of norms and irresponsibility,” the President said, referring to the January riots that cost the lives of 230 citizens of the country.
Tokayev also emphasized that the law in the country is the same for everyone – both for ordinary citizens and for people in power.
“Political transformations have shown the willingness of citizens to make decisions at all levels – from local government to national issues. The political transformation is aimed at the formation of fair and just rules of the game, the eradication of favoritism and monopoly in all spheres of life. But such logic and dynamics don’t suit everyone. Those who are accustomed to betting on gray backstage schemes have a panic fear of losing their privileges and sources of income. They decided to act without delay in order to undermine the foundations of our statehood. It can be said that they went against their people,” the President explained.
He also noted that the investigation into the case of the conspiracy of the security forces and their accomplices continues at an intensive pace in secrecy.
I can say that a large-scale, detailed operation took place, the purpose of which was to remove the top leadership and discredit it in the eyes of the people and the foreign public. To achieve their goals, the conspirators didn’t hesitate to use professionally trained militants, who had the task of spreading havoc, arousing fear in people, forcing them to believe in the fatality of the outcome of events, and destabilizing the situation in the country. Therefore, I assure you that all those responsible for these tragic events will be punished; no matter what positions they occupy in society,” Tokayev promised.
As ACCA has already reported, immediately after the January events, the Chairman of the National Security Committee, Karim Masimov, and a number of his deputies were arrested. Massimov is charged with high treason, preparation for a violent seizure of power, abuse of office, and committing corruption crimes. In addition, in recent days, the nephew of the first President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, oligarch Kairat Satybaldy has been detained.
