Country Report 2018: Kazakhstan

Abstract

The Constitution states “Citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan shall have the right to peacefully and without arms assemble, hold meetings, rallies and demonstrations, street processions and pickets” (Article 32). However, the Kazakhstan Law regulates all forms of peaceful assembly. In order to have peaceful gatherings or demonstrations any group must be granted government permission. Rules and procedures are quite strict and their enforcement makes peaceful meetings almost impossible. The Code on Administrative Violations and the Criminal Code contain sanctions for violation of the law and specify the procedures for organizing and holding peaceful assemblies, rallies, marches, strikes and demonstrations. Violation to the rules may cause administrative arrest for up to 15 days and up to one year of imprisonment.