Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK)

Any conviction under Kazakhstan’s broad extremism statutes lands an individual on the Financing Terrorism List – even if their alleged crime was merely supporting an opposition political party. 

Duman Mukhammedkarim was accused of financing an extremist group and participating in a banned group's activities for sharing an interview he’d conducted with Mukhtar Ablyazov.

The Kazakh state still has the final say in who is allowed to engage in public demonstrations.

Around 80 activists were arrested on March 1 in Almaty in connection to an unsanctioned rally in memory of an activist who died in jail. 

As many as 200 were arrested for attending a pair of unsanctioned rallies. Meanwhile, a proposed law promises more of the same.

Arrests and arson delay Kazakh opposition groups from gathering.

The goalposts keep moving as President Tokayev promised reforms that would make it easier for political and civic activists to plan rallies.

Kazakhstan’s political arena has little room for new parties or old foes.

Mukhtar Ablyazov's efforts to orchestrate protests from abroad have had feeble results. But Kazakh authorities are taking no chances.

International fugitive and Kazakh opposition star Mukhtar Ablyazov urged supporters to carry blue balloons during the Nowruz holiday.