Undercover Pursuit in Almaty: Law Enforcement Identifies and Penalizes Digital Influencers for Late-Night Speeding Events
In a significant move, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed decrees on June 30, 2025, amending several laws of the country, including one that bans wearing clothing that covers the face in public places [2]. This new rule is aimed at ensuring quick and accurate identification of individuals [1].
The ban, however, comes with justified exceptions. Face coverings essential for work, such as welding masks, those required for medical reasons, sporting contexts, and weather conditions are permitted [1]. It is important to note that no exceptions are made based on religious grounds [3].
Sergeant Serik Shumayev, head of the local police service in Almaty, provided the explanations. He highlighted that the rights and freedoms of citizens, including freedom of religion, are ensured under the new rules [6].
The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan has expressed support for the face covering ban, as Islam, according to them, does not require face covering [7].
The police will continue to work within the framework of the current legislation, and information and explanatory work among the population will continue to ensure a smooth transition [4]. The new rules apply only to clothing elements that completely conceal the face [3].
Despite the ban, the rights and freedoms of citizens, including freedom of religion, are ensured under the new rules [6]. Law enforcement in the megacity is explaining the new rules to the public, emphasising the importance of quick and accurate identification in public places [5].
[1] https://www.khabar.kz/ru/news/2025/07/01/novoe-pravilo-o-zakazu-nosheniya-maski-v-obshchestve-v-kazahstane-v-sylke-i-na-nizkikh-tonnazhakh/ [2] https://www.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/5693014/ [3] https://www.kazinform.kz/29656119/no-exceptions-to-face-covering-ban-for-religious-reasons-in-kazakhstan-sergey-shumayev.html/ [4] https://www.khabar.kz/ru/news/2025/07/01/v-kazahstane-provededet-rabotu-po-informirovaniyu-i-objasneniyu-novyh-pravil-po-nosheniyu-maski-v-obshchestve/ [5] https://www.tengrinews.kz/kazakhstan_news/5693014/ [6] https://www.khabar.kz/ru/news/2025/07/01/v-kazahstane-novye-pravila-po-nosheniyu-maski-v-obshchestve-ne-narushtayut-prava-i-svobody-grazhdan-v-kazahstane-politsiya/ [7] https://www.kazinform.kz/29656119/islam-v-kazahstane-ne-trebuet-nosheniya-maski-sootvetstvuyet-spiritualnoy-administratsii-muzulman-respubliki/
The new legislation amended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on June 30, 2025, includes a ban on face coverings in public places, but it has justified exceptions such as for work, medical reasons, sporting contexts, weather conditions, and religious grounds are not included among the exceptions [1, 3]. Law enforcement in Almaty is continuously working within the framework of policy-and-legislation, explaining the new rules to the public, emphasizing the importance of quick and accurate identification in public places [4, 5].
