In November, a group of 22 people, including 12 Russian citizens, was arrested in Ust-Kamenogorsk on suspicion of preparing a separatist uprising with the aim of establishing an independent Russian republic in the northeastern part of Kazakhstan. Freedom of association, while generally respected, was sometimes hindered by complicated requirements that restrict this right to hold political gatherings. The government cited minor infractions of the law, frequently related to unsanctioned assembly, to arrest and detain government opponents arbitrarily. The law gives workers the right to join or form unions. To obtain legal status, an independent union must apply for registration with local judicial authorities and with the ministry of justice.
Registration is generally lengthy, difficult, and expensive.
Independent unions gravitated towards opposition candidates but turned more pro-government earlier this year when the authorities introduced protectionist trade policies aimed at supporting domestic industries. The law does not provide mechanisms to protect workers who join independent unions from threats and harassment by enterprise management or state-run unions. Members of independent unions have been dismissed, transferred to lower- paying jobs, threatened, and intimidated. The constitution significantly constrains the independence of the judiciary. The president appoints three of the seven members of the constitutional council, including the chairman.