President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has stated the need to strengthen legal awareness in society and emphasised the unacceptability of attacks on police officers. The statement was made during a ceremony to honour scientists.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAID
The Head of State highlighted the increase in cases of disrespect towards representatives of the authorities and the need to tackle them within the framework of the law.
“Acts of disrespect towards police officers, and especially attacks on them, are unacceptable. Such cases must be resolutely dealt with within the framework of the law, as must all attempts to glorify people infected with the bacillus of legal nihilism—in other words, malicious hooligans and bandits,” said the Head of State.
He also noted that to build a progressive society, it is necessary to protect the honour and dignity not only of police officers, but also of doctors, teachers, service sector workers, and other law-abiding citizens.
THE KEY FOCUS
The President specifically highlighted the need to improve standards of behaviour, including driving etiquette and compliance with regulations.
He stated that addressing these issues requires attention from both society and the Government.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
The President’s comments came against the backdrop of previously recorded cases of force being used against police officers in various regions of Kazakhstan.
For instance, in the Kostanay region, a police officer was subjected to an attack after reprimanding a group of men for breaching public order. A criminal case was opened against the attackers for using violence against a representative of the authorities.
In the Atyrau region, a group of citizens used physical force against police officers while they were on duty. As a result, two law enforcement officers were injured, and a criminal case was initiated.
In Astana, a court found a man guilty of using force against police officers and sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment. According to case materials, the incident occurred in the courtyard of a residential building, where, while intoxicated, he insulted police officers and offered resistance.