Kazakhstan detains Oppn supporters

ALMATY, February 22

The Kazakh police detained dozens of opposition supporters who staged public protests against the government of the Central Asian nation on Saturday.

Demonstrations have intensified since the resignation of President Nursultan Nazarbayev last March after almost three decades in power. Nazarbayev nominated close ally Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as successor, ensuring his victory in a subsequent snap election.

Tokayev has promised to adopt a more liberal approach towards dissent and ease the restrictions on protests and the creation of political parties. But some opposition activists dismissed the proposed reforms as cosmetic.

Protesters who gathered in the capital Nur-Sultan on Saturday held banners that read “Why are people poor in rich Kazakhstan?” and demanded the release of political prisoners in the country, which has significant oil resources.

Opposition supporters in Almaty gathered to demonstrate in a central square, voicing similar demands. — Reuters