Following elections on 15th January, the Kazakh authorities are now detaining opposition figures, social activists and journalists.
People wounded by police when they opened fire on the unarmed strikers and supporters on 16 December 2011 are now being arrested. It is believed that many, including some recovering in hospital, will be charged with taking part in ‘mass disorder’. Some have been forcibly removed from their hospital beds.
On 23rd January, the leader of the Alga party, Vladimir Kozlov, was arrested, along with other activists, and their homes ransacked by police. They are charged with advocating the ‘overthrow’ of the regime and ‘inciting social discord’. Under these allegations, they could face up to 10 years imprisonment.
The editor of Vzglyad newspaper, Igor Vinyavskii, was also arrested, as well as staff at Stan TV. Journalists at Respublikaare have been detained for questioning.
The Nazabayev regime blames “outside influences” for the violence, last December, and is trying to link Alga and the opposition People’s Front with foreign-based oligarchs.
Well-known Socialist Movement Kazakhstan figures, Vadim Karamshin and Arman Ozhaubaev, were also arrested on the 23January (Arman was later released as a “witness”).
The police also tried to raid the offices of the Leave People’s Homes Alone campaign.
Please continue to send protest and solidarity messages to CampaignKazakhstan@gmail.com
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Release all trade unionists and political prisoners
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An end to the curfew and state of emergency
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An immediate inquiry into the 16 December massacre and torture, under the full control of the workers and local residents
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The implementation of all the demands of the striking workers
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Freedom for all political prisoners, including Natalia Sokolova
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The formation of a party representing working people that fights to end the rule of Nazarbayev
Financial Help Needed too!
We also call for maximum help with donations. This will be used to assist the families of the oil-workers and to build the workers’ opposition movement in Kazakhstan, now faced with a full-scale battle with the dictatorial Nazarbayev regime. Donations can be sent to Campaign Kazakhstan via this donation page. Please add your name to the online petition here. You can contact us at CampaignKazakhstan@gmail.com to let us know what you can do to help and build support for the workers movement.
