Kazakhstan has banned the holding of marches similar to Russia's "Immortal Regiment" on May 9, sparking controversy among supporters who sought to commemorate the Soviet Union's victory in World War II.
According to Current Times, the administration of Almaty, the country's largest city, refused to grant permission for the event, and local authorities in other cities like Pavlodar and Petropavlovsk, home to significant Russian-speaking populations, proposed alternatives such as online events or displaying photos of front-line workers on LED screens.
Officials have cited a lack of available space as the primary reason for the ban. Any attempt to hold unauthorized rallies or circumvent the prohibition may result in fines or arrests. The ban is seen as part of Kazakhstan's broader efforts to manage its public spaces amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
In response, supporters of the "Immortal Regiment" sent an appeal to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, expressing their desire to hold a traditional parade in Almaty. They identified themselves as the "heirs of victory" and emphasized their connection to Soviet symbols, arguing that there was nothing wrong with commemorating the past. The group also accused the government of being "anti-Soviet" and warned of potential defiance despite the ban.
Elsewhere in Kazakhstan, no celebrations are planned for the 80th anniversary of the Victory Day in cities such as Taldykorgan, Kyzylorda, and Turkestan, and the capital, Astana, is expected to observe the occasion with a military parade and air show on May 7. Astana's mayor Zhenis Kassymbek stated that he had never heard of any intention to hold an "Immortal Regiment" march, referring to the military parade as the primary event for honoring veterans.
In Petropavlovsk, individuals claiming to be "volunteers" have attempted to recruit participants for the march, offering compensation in Russian rubles. These efforts have raised concerns about the influence of external forces, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Historical Context and Recent Cancellations
The "Immortal Regiment" march, which had been a common feature of Victory Day celebrations in Kazakhstan, was last held in 2019. Public events were suspended during the pandemic, and following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the campaign was renamed "Honour to the Heroes," with St. George ribbons replaced by Kazakhstan's national symbols. However, the march itself largely remained unchanged, featuring portraits of World War II veterans and flags from the era.
The 2023 and 2024 marches were canceled due to a combination of concerns, including global tensions, potential provocations, and the country's struggle with severe flooding. Kazakhstan's shifting stance towards the "Immortal Regiment" march has been attributed to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as many in Kazakhstan seek to distance themselves from Russia's actions, including the controversial use of "Immortal Regiment" marches to honor soldiers who fought in the current war.
Kazakh civic activists like Alnur Ilyashev suggest that the war in Ukraine has influenced local perspectives on public commemorations, pointing out that the heroic legacy of past wars can be politicized to support contemporary narratives. Political analysts believe that Kazakhstan's decision to distance itself from the march may reflect an effort to avoid associating with the Russian-backed rhetoric surrounding the war in Ukraine.
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