Kazakhstan to ban import of Russian goods with “politicised emblems” Kazakh experts on Caliber.Az

The Kazakh authorities together with the Prosecutor General's Office are working on the introduction of a ban on goods with "ethno-politicised symbols" in the country. The matter concerns those goods inscribing the attributes of PMC "Wagner", as well as unofficial symbols of Russia's support in the war against Ukraine - the letters Z and V, according to KazTAG.

In addition, the ban may affect goods with inscriptions "Russian Army" and "Polite People", emblems of the "Kurdistan Workers' Party" (PKK) and East Turkestan.

The prosecutor of the Public Interest Protection Department noted that "individual representatives of different ethnic groups display various ethnic symbols in the public field", which causes ambiguous reactions in society.

As part of the restrictions, the prosecutor's office proposed that the government prohibit the manufacture, transportation and distribution in Kazakhstan of products with symbols used by opposing parties in armed conflicts. It is proposed to introduce administrative liability for the distribution of these products in Kazakhstan.

Under this type of responsibility, apparently, some fines are meant. Well-known Kazakhstani experts commented on the issue for Caliber.Az.

Political observer Gaziz Abishev noted that Kazakhstan in this case acts proactively.

"It is possible that the parties to the conflict may be interested in growing support for their actions within Kazakh society, given that the Kazakh political system, regardless of electoral mechanics, still relies on the resultant will of the electorate.

Therefore, Kazakhstan, which is trying with all its might not to let itself be drawn into the conflict, is fighting with real tools of retraction. And military symbols are becoming such a tool. Large-scale conflicts between supporters of the Russian Federation and Ukraine are the last thing that Kazakhstan, which is squeezed between the powers, needs. In particular, the spread of Russian military propaganda symbols increases threats to Kazakhstan’s sovereignty to a certain extent.

It should also be noted that if this law is passed, not only Russian but also Ukrainian military symbols may be restricted. This should also be understood. If the law is passed, both sides will monitor its implementation," Abishev said.

Kazakh political analyst Kazbek Beisebayev found it necessary to say first of all that Kazakhstan is in the Russian information space.

“Consequently, part of the population of Kazakhstan is exposed to the ideological influence of Russia. Hence there is a demand for certain products with ideological orientation. Therefore, there is a demand for certain products with an ideological orientation. This is why we have Russian goods with Z, V and PMC "Wagner" symbols.

It is also worth saying that another certain part of society has an extremely negative attitude towards the Russian special military operation. There are already cases of conflict situations because of these symbols. Therefore, the Prosecutor General's Office has launched an initiative to ban the use of symbols related to events in other states. We have already fined cars with Z and V stickers before. It should also be said that in addition to Russian signs, it is proposed to ban the use of symbols of East Turkestan and the PKK. We also have their supporters. Therefore, I believe that all these measures of the authorities are aimed at preserving peace and stability in our multicultural society,” Beisebayev said.

He believes that one administrative penalty will be enough to resolve such situations since the Prosecutor General's Office itself makes such a proposal.

Nurlan Munbayev, professor of econometrics, member of the New York Academy of Sciences, expert of the Parliamentarism Foundation of Kazakhstan, is in solidarity with the previous opinions.

"In general, I support the initiative of the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ban symbols propagandizing military actions of Russia, which acts as an aggressor towards Ukraine. I believe the Prosecutor General's Office wants to protect the information and legal field of Kazakh citizens from destructive information markers that can bring tension to our society," Munbayev said.

He said some militant Russians have called for the "denazification" of Kazakhstan, stoking fears that it could be next.

"Kazakhstan balances its friendly relations with Russia with strengthening ties with the EU. When Russia invaded Ukraine last February, its longtime ally Kazakhstan did not rush to support it. It took subtle but decisive steps to show that it did not support Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Kazakhstan is the epicentre of peaceful life, where more than 100 nations live, and no one will be able to rock the boat of social harmony. I believe it is right to protect our patrimony of peace and well-being, friendship and tolerance, independence of Kazakhstan through the legal field", the professor concluded.