Demonstration Alert: U.S. Mission Kazakhstan
Saturday, December 16, 2021
Location: Nur-Sultan, Almaty, Shymkent, possibly other cities
Event: The opposition party Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK or DCK), which the Kazakhstani government has banned as an extremist group, is calling for demonstrations on December 16, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. to demand the resignation of Kazakhstan’s government, including First President Nazarbayev and President Tokayev, as well as freedom for all political prisoners.
- Nur-Sultan: Demonstrators possibly will gather in front of the Holodomor Monument on Republic Avenue
- Almaty: Demonstrators possibly will gather in front of the Zheltoksan Victims Monument on Satpayev Street.
- Shymkent: Demonstrators possibly will gather at the “Kasiret” Memorial on Baydibek Bi Avenue
Smaller demonstrations are possible in other cities. A heightened security presence and localized transport disruptions, as well as internet network outages, are possible in the vicinity of the protests.
Non-sanctioned demonstrations usually end with mass arrests. Embassy personnel have been instructed to avoid the gatherings/protests. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests
Actions to Take:
- Avoid the areas of demonstrations.
- Exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
- Monitor local media for updates.
For Assistance: The U.S. Embassy is located at Rakhymzhan Koskharbayev Ave., No. 3, Nur-Sultan 010010. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency after-hours number for the U.S. Embassy is +7 7172 70 22 00.
The U.S. Consulate General Almaty is located at Samal-2, 97 Zholdasbekov Street, Almaty, 050051. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency after-hours number for the U.S. Consulate General is 8 777 0072359.
For further information about security in Kazakhstan:
- U.S. Embassy Nur-Sultan – +7 (7172) 70-21-00
- U.S. Consulate Almaty – +7 (7272) 50-76-12/17
- Email: usakz@state.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs
- 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Kazakhstan Country Information
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