The Lord has broken the rod of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers
Nineteen Kazakh citizens who took part in a peaceful protest against Chinese government policies have been charged with “inciting ethnic hatred,” raising concerns that Chinese diplomatic pressure may be influencing Kazakhstan’s judicial system. According to the human rights organization ChinaAid, Kazakh authorities formally indicted the protesters on the 19th for participating in a political demonstration critical of China.
The indictment alleges that the 19 individuals violated Article 174, Part 2 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code, which criminalizes group actions carried out through prior coordination and media use that “incite ethnic hatred or insult national honor.” The charges were confirmed by police in the Uyghur District of Almaty Region.
The case stems from a peaceful protest held on November 13, 2025, in a village in the Uyghur District of Almaty Region. During the demonstration, participants called for the release of a naturalized Kazakh truck driver who had been detained by Chinese authorities in the Xinjiang region. The protest took place in a public area and involved no physical violence. As a form of symbolic political expression, protesters burned three Chinese flags and a portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Organizers stated that the purpose of the protest was to draw international attention to mass detention policies in Xinjiang, particularly the repression of ethnic minorities such as Kazakhs, as well as pressure exerted on overseas civil society and human rights groups.
Following the protest, the Chinese government reportedly requested formal diplomatic consultations with Kazakhstan. Experts note that the case carries significant diplomatic sensitivity rather than being a purely domestic criminal matter.
Under Kazakh law, burning a foreign flag is not explicitly defined as a criminal offense. In addition, Kazakhstan’s Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guarantee freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. International human rights courts have consistently ruled that symbolic acts such as flag burning constitute protected forms of political expression.
In recent years, China has expanded its influence over overseas dissidents and related communities, a phenomenon often described as “transnational repression,” which has drawn increasing scrutiny from governments and human rights organizations worldwide. As of now, Kazakh authorities have not issued an official public statement on the case. Judicial proceedings are ongoing, and the outcome is widely viewed as a key test of Kazakhstan’s judicial independence and its commitment to protecting freedom of expression.(Source : Bitter Winter, Edited Version)
5 The Lord has broken the rod of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers, 6 which in anger struck down peoples with unceasing blows, and in fury subdued nations with relentless aggression. 7 All the lands are at rest and at peace; they break into singing.(Isaiah 14:5-7,NIV)
God, we ask that You rebuke the authorities of China and Kazakhstan who label and suppress peaceful protests opposing China’s oppression of ethnic minorities in Xinjiang as criminal acts. May the power of the LORD, who breaks the rod and staff of wicked forces that intimidate many peoples for the sake of their own power, come upon lands under pressure and oppression. Let the gospel be proclaimed to the people of Kazakhstan, and grant the indicted protesters bold hearts filled with faith toward You. May Kazakhstan become a land that holds fast to the one true Ruler, God Himself, and lifts its voice to sing praises to You.
Prayer 24·365
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