Kazakhstan has reformed laws on strictly controlled peaceful assembly that critics say fall short of international human rights standards and amount to window dressing.
Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev signed legislation into law on May 25 that defines how many people can attend a demonstration, what venues are available for rallies, and what permission is needed to conduct such public events.
The new law also bans foreigners from joining protests or organizing them.