Kazakh President Tokayev Demands Strict Crackdown on Attacks Against Police

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan has issued a firm condemnation of attacks on police officers, labeling such acts as unacceptable. Speaking at an award ceremony for scientists in Astana, the head of state called for these incidents to be decisively suppressed within the framework of the law.

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

The President stressed that building a progressive nation requires erecting a solid barrier against any encroachments on the honor and dignity not only of police but also of doctors, teachers, service sector workers, and all law-abiding citizens.

His statement follows recent criminal cases. Authorities have detained three individuals in Kostanay on suspicion of assaulting a police officer. According to Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov, similar measures were recently taken against suspects in analogous cases in Atyrau and Ust-Kamenogorsk.

Adilov noted that investigations are underway. With court sanction, all those who attacked officers and used violence have been charged criminally and taken into custody. He clarified that in most instances, the police were performing their official duties. The Kostanay incident, however, occurred after an off-duty officer made a remark to individuals.

The Deputy Minister added that overall public attitude towards the police in Kazakhstan remains positive, and such violent incidents are isolated occurrences.