Kazakhstan grants KNB power to infiltrate foreign NGOs before elections
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Kazakhstan has granted its National Security Committee (KNB) the authority to infiltrate foreign non-governmental organizations ahead of elections. The move comes amid heightened scrutiny of foreign influence in the country's political processes.
New Legal Authority
The KNB has been granted the power to conduct undercover operations within foreign NGOs operating in Kazakhstan, according to a government decree published on July 8. The measure applies specifically to the period before elections, allowing the security service to monitor and prevent alleged foreign interference. The decree did not specify which elections would trigger this authority.
Election Context
Kazakhstan is scheduled to hold a presidential election in 2027, though no date has been set. The country also faces parliamentary elections in 2028. The new KNB powers come as the government seeks to limit foreign funding of political activities, with NGOs required to register with the Ministry of Justice.
What's Next
The government is expected to release implementing regulations for the new KNB powers within 30 days. It remains unclear how the security service will define 'infiltration' and what oversight mechanisms will be in place.
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Kazakhstan grants KNB power to infiltrate foreign NGOs before elections
