Kazakh President Tokayev Condemns Attacks on Police Officers

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has issued a firm condemnation of recent attacks on police officers in Kazakhstan. Speaking at a ceremony honoring scientists in Astana, the head of state labeled such acts as unacceptable and called for their strict suppression within the framework of the law.

"Instances of disrespect towards police officers, and especially attacks on them, are intolerable," Tokayev emphasized. "Such cases must be decisively stopped by law, just like all attempts to glorify individuals infected with the bacillus of legal nihilism—in other words, malicious hooligans and bandits."

The President stressed that building a progressive nation requires protecting the honor and dignity of key public servants. "If we want to become a progressive nation, we must erect a strong barrier against any encroachments on the honor and dignity of police officers, doctors, teachers, service sector workers, and all conscientious, law-abiding citizens," he stated.

Authorities have already taken action in response to several incidents. An investigation is currently underway. With court sanction, all individuals who attacked police officers and used violence have been brought to criminal responsibility and taken into custody.

Recent cases include the detention of three people in Kostanay on suspicion of assaulting a police officer. According to Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov, similar measures were previously taken against suspects in analogous incidents in Atyrau and Ust-Kamenogorsk.

Adilov noted that in most instances, the police officers were performing their official duties. In the Kostanay case specifically, the attack occurred after an off-duty officer made a remark to the individuals involved.

The Deputy Minister added that overall public attitude towards the police in Kazakhstan remains positive, characterizing such violent incidents as isolated events.