In Astana, nighttime birthday celebrations outside apartment blocks have led to administrative penalties for dozens of residents: 26 people were held accountable for loud music and fireworks, 19 of whom were placed under arrest, reports infohub.kz.
The city prosecutor's office flagged the growing practice of nighttime congratulations. Groups stage entire performances in courtyards for birthday celebrants, blasting loud music and setting off fireworks. The explosions trigger car alarms, and residents complain about the noise.
"Lately it has become a tradition to congratulate birthday celebrants by setting off fireworks with loud music at night near residential buildings, which leads to mass car alarm activations and causes justified discontent among residents," the prosecutor's office said.
Now violators face liability under Part 1 of Article 434 of Kazakhstan's Administrative Offenses Code, "Petty Hooliganism." The prosecutor's office said it has begun applying this provision to participants in noisy nighttime celebrations.
In total, 26 people were held administratively liable. Of these, 19 were arrested for up to 10 days. Another seven were fined — six women raising children under 14 and one minor.
"Launching pyrotechnics at night, among people, near residential buildings or cars poses a direct threat to life, fire safety, health and property of those around," the prosecutor's office emphasized.
The agency urged residents to respect their neighbors' peace and maintain public order.
Earlier, Kursiv reported on what to do if neighbors systematically make noise, throw parties or disturb the peace.