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!"
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A protester (left) holding a sign demanding free speech.
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Protesters in Almaty hold a sign saying, "Kazakhstan Without The Nazarbaevs." Former President Nursultan Nazarbaev resigned in March but is still a powerful figure behind the scenes.
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A young woman at Almaty's Independence Monument.
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A man in Almaty holds a photo of two ethnic Kazakhs from China facing deportation back to China where many fear they may be sent to "re-education camps".
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A young woman is surrounded by television camera during the protest.
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A young woman protests in Almaty. The rallies were called to mark Kazakhstan's Independence Day, as well as the anniversaries of the crackdowns in 1986 and 2011.
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Police begin arresting demonstrators in Almaty.
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Police forced a demonstrator into a van in Almaty. Around the same time, more than 50 people were arrested in the capital, Nur-Sultan.
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A man being arrested in Almaty.
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Police detained around 40 demonstrators in Almaty.
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Police cars in the center of Almaty on December 16.
