Single Time Zone Protest Canceled Over Safety Concerns, Qantar Mentioned in Explanation

The march opposing the introduction of a single time zone was scheduled in Oskemen on March 14 from 18:05 to 19:00, with official approval from the Akimat. However, on the afternoon of March 12, one of the event’s organizers, Alexandra Osipova, announced its cancellation.

She cited the unexpectedly high number of participants and the inability to ensure their safety as key reasons for calling off the protest. The original plan had anticipated 99 attendees.

This means that the situation may get out of control. Various forces are paying great attention to our event, and I know that they are capable of much. I remember January 2022 too well and how peaceful protests turned into chaos, which led to tragic consequences. The most important thing for me is your safety. But in the current circumstances, I cannot guarantee it, Alexandra Osipova explained on her Instagram.

Activists in the East Kazakhstan region had previously made multiple attempts to organize a protest against the time zone change, but local authorities repeatedly denied their requests on various grounds.

On March 5, a court ruled one such refusal unlawful.

Meanwhile, most district Akimats in the East Kazakhstan region have already adopted a new work schedule from 8:00 to 17:30, citing improved utilization of daylight hours as the reason for the adjustment.

Original Author: Igor Ulitin