Just two days before parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan, President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has signed a law that toughens punishments for those who call for mass unrest. According to the law, endorsed on March 17, the punishment for such actions will rise from three years to up to seven years in prison. The law also takes away the possibility of early release on parole for individuals convicted on the charge. Kazakh authorities have been wary of rallies in the country after the dispersal of unprecedented anti-government protests in January last year turned violent and left at least 238 people dead. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, click here.
Two Days Before Elections, Kazakhstan Toughens Punishment For Calls For Mass Unrest
Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev (file photo)