The amendments provide more power to local governments and introduce provisions to reduce nepotism in Central Asia’s largest country which witnessed violent attempts to overthrow the government earlier this year

Faced with an increase in food prices, Central Asian republics are exploring new options to combat hunger and decrease reliance on imports

The Collective Security Treaty Organization has reportedly agreed to temporarily deploy peacekeeping forces following the protests continuing after the main demands of those on the streets were met

In mid-October, Erlan Baltabay was sentenced to five months and eight days in prison for refusing to pay a fine. He also faces a seven-year term for his involvement in the banned Confederation of Independent Trade Unions of Kazakhstan

Erlan Baltabay faces an eight-year jail term on charges of misappropriation of funds although he has time and again argued that he was only in possession of the money since the dissolution of his union in 2015

Activists have asked the International Labor Organization to review the ongoing repression of workers in the country.

Ahead of the June 9 elections, the interim government of Kazakhstan has cracked down on activists and those campaigning for free and fair elections