Kazakhstan arrests activists for trying to organize protestsMay 21, 2016 - 17:00 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A top Kazakhstan police official says attempts to hold demonstrations against a land-reform measure have been blocked and the prosecutor's office says activists were arrested for trying to organize them, the Associated Press reports. Activists had called for demonstrations on Saturday, May 21 against a government move to liberalize sale and rental of farmland to foreigners. Opponents fear Chinese farmers could acquire large swaths of land. The prosecutor's office said about 40 organizers were arrested Friday and Interior Ministry official Igor Lepekha said Saturday that there were detentions at an attempted rally in the capital Astana. He said no demonstrations were held elsewhere, but did not specify if there were arrests. Lepekha said organizers aimed to cause provocations and that caches of bottles and gasoline were found near two squares in Almaty, Kazakhstan's principal city. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |