Kazakhstan Braces For More Protests, Arrests

Kazakhstan braced for more protests, as authorities rounded up more activists amid growing discontent over a controversial land law. 


Activists and opposition politicians in the Central Asian nation are challenging a measure that allows the sale of state-owned farmland and for agricultural land to be leased to foreigners for up to 25 years.


On the eve of the protests scheduled for May 21, police in the country's largest city, Almaty, arrested at least five more people, saying that some had objects that could be used for violence or to start fires. 


Two other activists also were sentenced on May 20 to 15 days in jail on charges of making "preparations for an unsanctioned public event."


State controlled media has presented the protests as organized by "third forces from abroad."


The demonstrations have been relatively small, but they upswell of political discontent is turning into some of the most serious seen in the tightly controlled nations in years. 


Amnesty International has called on Kazakh authorities to release about three dozen activists who have been jailed in connection with the demonstrations.


With reporting by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service