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Kazakhstan Adopts Controversial Law on Protests

Agence France-Presse

   NUR-SULTAN - Kazakhstan on Monday eased some restrictions on
   tightly-controlled public demonstrations but rights groups said they
   still fell short of international standards.

   Until now, protesters in the energy-rich country needed to apply for
   permission to hold a rally, and permits for political demonstrations
   were almost never granted.

   According to the legislation signed into law by President Kassym-Jomart
   Tokayev on Monday, demonstrators should notify authorities in advance
   of a rally taking place in one or more of the areas designated by the
   authorities for holding protests.

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