Kazakhstan Marks Independence Day, Remembering the Tragic December Events of 1986

On December 16, 1991, Kazakhstan declared independence from the Soviet Union. The date marked the culmination of a difficult and tragic path. Five years earlier, in 1986, Almaty became the site of some of the first mass and violent protests in Soviet history against Moscow’s policies. Up to 30,000 people took part in the demonstrations.

Orda.kz recalls how the events unfolded.

The protests were brutally suppressed. Security forces dispersed thousands of demonstrators at Brezhnev Square, now Republic Square. Protesters were doused with cold water and beaten.

More than 8,000 people were detained. About 900 were charged with administrative offenses, while 99 faced criminal charges. The exact number of deaths remains unknown, with estimates ranging from 10 to 170.

One of the most tragic symbols of those events was 20-year-old Kairat Ryskulbekov. He was sentenced to death on charges that he had been involved in the wounding of hundreds of police officers and soldiers. The sentence was later commuted to 20 years in prison, but Ryskulbekov died under unclear circumstances while being transported to prison.

In 1992, he was posthumously fully rehabilitated, and in 1996, he was awarded the title of “Halyk Qaharmany.”

Following the December events, mass repression began across the country. Protesters were dismissed from their jobs, expelled from universities, and threatened with prison terms.

In the early 1990s, the civic movements “Azat” and “Jeltoqsan” emerged, advocating for Kazakhstan’s independence and sovereignty. Their ranks included members of the anti-nuclear movement “Nevada–Semipalatinsk.” These developments echoed the bloody events of Jeltoqsan.

Kazakhstan declared independence on December 16, 1991, marking the fifth anniversary of the December 1986 events.

The protests in Almaty also influenced other Soviet republics. Mass demonstrations later erupted in Georgia and the Baltic states, becoming harbingers of the Soviet Union’s collapse.

Remembering Jeltoqsan and Independence Day Observances

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev has congratulated Kazakhstanis on Independence Day.

This holiday has special significance for our people, who made a voluntary and final choice in favor of Kazakhstan's sovereign path of development. Independence is above all else! Firmly adhering to this principle is our historical responsibility to past and future generations,
 the message said.

Meanwhile, an Orda.kz journalist visited Republic Square, where participants of the December 1986 events gathered today near the Tәuelsіzdіk Tany monument.

Those present honored the memory of those who gave their lives.

They laid flowers, said a prayer, and together sang the song “Jeltoqsan jeli.”

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina, Elizaveta Azarenka