Kazakhstan Military Draft Raids Explained: Ministry of Defense Clarifies

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Defense Addresses Concerns Over Military Draft Raids Kazakhstan is currently conducting its annual military draft. However, videos circulating online show instances of citizens being forcibly taken into custody by police and brought to military authorities. This has raised concerns among the public. The Ministry of Defense released a video statement clarifying the situation. According to Lieutenant Colonel Ruslan Zhangulin, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, the raids are a response to draft evasion. He explained that many conscription-age citizens are not living at their registered addresses, making it difficult to deliver draft notices. In such cases, police are authorized to assist in locating and apprehending those who evade the draft. "During the raids, some citizens disobey the lawful demands of police officers and resist, which leads to their forced delivery," Zhangulin stated. The Ministry emphasizes that conscription is carried out in accordance with the law, and those found ineligible for service are released. The statement also warns of legal consequences for draft evasion. This clarification aims to address public concerns and ensure transparency in the military draft process.