Kazakhstan detains citizens for burning flag, image of foreign leader

Kazakhstan — Authorities in Kazakhstan’s Almaty region have detained 18 people after a group of citizens set fire to the national flag and an image of a foreign head of state.

The incident took place on November 13 in the Uyghur District, where police intervened to stop an unauthorised gathering. According to the Almaty Region Police Department, the group’s actions were considered unlawful, Caliber.Az reports via Kazakh media.

Following judicial review, 12 individuals were sentenced to administrative detention of up to 15 days under Kazakhstan’s Code of Administrative Offences for minor hooliganism, while 6 others were fined 20 monthly calculation indices.

In addition, an investigation has been launched on charges of incitement of enmity. Police emphasised that any attacks on state symbols or acts aimed at provoking social unrest are serious violations of the law and will be strictly prosecuted.

By Vugar Khalilov