No, not a link to a real niche orientated web site, but the subject of these two photos, taken on the 4th July, during the continuing celebrations for Astana Day(s).
This first shot was supposed to of just the guys in uniform marching around, but by the time I got the camera out, they had rapidly retreated into the distance, and a gaggle of Babushkas were blocking the frame. Deciding that the contrast between the two groups amused me mildly, I grabbed a quick shot.
Babushkas In Astana Park With Street Patrollers
Later on, we walked through the park, onto the foot bridge over the River Ishim, and up to near Congress Hall (in the old square). They had some sort of civic awards ceremony going on, with interesting dancers, a DJ and various people being awarded for ‘the best teacher in so and so region’. Given the subject, I hadn’t expected to see so much security at the entrance, and within the ceremony itself. You can see the street patrollers (or special forces (!?) if you believe on Astana resident) and police working in perfect discord here. There was also an official competition between the various cafes and restaurants that had set up food stalls in the square, though most entries seemed to be based around barbecued meat.
Astana Day Celebrations Uniformed Security At Award Ceremony
August 22nd, 2009 3:25 pm
I mentioned this special forces thing to someone and I think it’s just a bad translation. By “special”, they mean here “not normal duty”. I.e. they aren’t detectives or traffic police or whatever. They apparently handle “special” situations like holidays and delegations. It’s not that they are trained to kill a man in with their bare hands or anything.
August 22nd, 2009 4:15 pm
I always thought it was special like a special ed student :o)
August 23rd, 2009 3:03 am
That makes a lot more sense, I was beginning to wonder just how deep under cover the guys were to make it look like they weren’t SAS/Navy Seals material 🙂
July 18th, 2010 9:19 pm
lol at the ‘special forces’ thing. No, they are far from special in almost any regard.
They are typically green conscripts forced to stand around or walk around a certain street junction/place of interest.
Most of them are 18-20 years old with a knowledge level that will have Da Vinci spinning in his grave (rural folk).
Apart from their inept intelligence, I think the only thing they can legally do is take you down to a local precinct – to ‘confirm your identity’ (read: make you give a bribe for wasting their time)
July 20th, 2010 9:12 pm
Thanks for the confirmation & explanation Ruslan. Some of the confusion arose (especially when we first moved here) because in Britain, if someone is wearing camouflage fatigues (especially in any sort of official capacity) tend to be real military forces, not street patrollers/construction site workers!).
I’ve luckily never been stopped by them so far. Real police have asked for my passport a couople of times, and I’ve just waved my pink card at them and told them I live here, not on holiday/business.
July 20th, 2010 9:48 pm
No problem, glad to give some info.
I think the proper term for them is ‘militia’, as in police, but without full police powers.
I don’t think they will dare to even look at a Brit, much less stop and/or arrest one. Even the locals think they are a joke.
I lived in London for 7 years, so I know the difference about police forces in both countries. The most laughable point about KZ police officers is their bulging wastes. I gather some of them don’t even know what a treadmill is. lol…
July 20th, 2010 11:05 pm
I’ve heard a few jokes about the militia having to walk around in large groups to protect themselves 🙂 I’ve not had any trouble with them, other than a few stares when they see someone not quite blending in with the locals saunter past them!
July 21st, 2010 12:39 am
Yeah, a minimum of 3 guys are needed for a patrol.