A wave of arrests intended to forestall one of Kazakhstan's most vociferous protest efforts in years appeared to help authorities blunt an outpouring of anger over planned land reforms over the weekend. But the latest parry against public opinion also risks elevating the profiles of dissenters in the tightly controlled country, the wealthiest and most diverse of Central Asia's five post-Soviet republics.
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty: Kazakh ‘people’s bard’ behind bars
Zhanat Esentaev could face up to seven years in jail if he is charged. (file photo)
