Kazakhstan bans May 9 Victory Day marches amid tensions

Authorities in Kazakhstan have prohibited the holding of ceremonial marches on May 9. For instance, the Almaty administration has denied permission for the event. In cities with large Russian-speaking populations, such as Pavlodar and Petropavlovsk, officials have proposed shifting the event online and displaying photos of soldiers on special LED screens. The official reason cited is the "lack of available venues."

Authorities have warned that any attempt to bypass the ban will be classified as an unauthorized rally, potentially resulting in fines or arrests.

Meanwhile, in Almaty, people intending to demonstrate have sent an appeal to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, holding the Soviet flag.

"We are descendants of the victors. We want to hold the 'Immortal Regiment' march — known in Kazakhstan as 'Salute to Heroes' — along the streets of Almaty on May 9... We appeal to the President and all local government bodies to allow us to express our patriotic feelings," the video message states.

They have accused local officials of being "anti-Soviet" and warned that the rally will take place even without official approval.

Victory Day marches commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II are also not planned in Taldykorgan, Kyzylorda, Turkistan, Oral, Atyrau, and Kostanay. The situation is similar in Kazakhstan’s capital.

Astana Mayor Zhenis Kassymbek, upon being asked about the "Immortal Regiment," said he had heard of no such plans and reminded that on May 7, after a long hiatus, a military parade featuring an air show will be held in the city.

At the same time, reports have emerged from Petropavlovsk about individuals identifying themselves as "volunteers" allegedly recruiting Kazakhs to participate in rallies in exchange for Russian rubles.

The last time the "Immortal Regiment" was held in Kazakh cities was in 2019. It was canceled in the following two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the event was replaced with "Salute to Heroes," featuring national symbols. Nevertheless, the new events closely resembled the previous marches, with columns carrying flags from the World War II era and portraits of veterans.

In 2023 and 2024, the government canceled the marches citing the "unstable global situation," the risk of provocations, and, most recently, widespread flooding within the country.