Tokayev promises no crackdown on protesters

AKIPRESS.COM - Law enforcement agencies in Kazakhstan will act strictly in line with the laws with regard to rallies in connection with ongoing parliamentary elections, President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev said, Tengrinews. reported.
"It turned out that protest moods exist in all counties of the world. For this reason, the police will act strictly in line with the law. No repressive measures will be undertaken with regard to protesters," the President said.
Kazakhstan is holding the Mazhlis elections today with 5 parties running in the elections: ruling Nur-Otan party, People's Democratic Patriotic Party Auyl, Democratic Party Ak Jol, Adal party, People's Party.
The opposition is holding a rally in Almaty today. They declare the elections illegitimate, Interfax Kazakhstan reported.
Police reportedly blocked reprsentatives of the Democratic Party of Kazakhstan led by its leader Janbolat Mamay at Respublika Square in the center of the city.