Kazakh Police Detain Dozens Of Protesting Homeowners

Some of those demonstrating at the Baitarek in downtown Astana on May 27 in favor of government intervention amid mounting foreclosures.

ASTANA -- Police detained dozens of protesting homeowners in the Kazakh capital, Astana, after they announced a hunger strike.

The protesters gathered in front of the government building on May 27, holding posters saying that they are on hunger strike.

Police disrupted the protest 20 minutes after it started.

The demonstrators from around Kazakhstan have started their protests in downtown Astana on May 21, demanding the government intervene over what they say are excessive mortgage interest rates and frequent foreclosures.

Two organizers of the protest and a journalist were sentenced to several days in jail and two demonstrators were fined for taking part in an unsanctioned public gathering last week.