As we reported previously on this site, Roza Tuletaeva, one of the active leaders of the Zhanaozen strike has been released from prison.
Originally sentenced to 7 years, her sentence was reduced on appeal to 5 years. In the summer she was refused release on parole so her release has been unexpected.
Undoubtedly this is a result of the international solidarity campaign and the fact that her case is being discussed by the UN committee on torture. The European Parliament has also passed four resolutions about the Zhanaozen events which have demanded the immediate release of participants in the months’ long strike.
It is not ruled out either that Roza’s release is linked to possible early elections in the country so that President Nazarbayev not only removes a factor leading to discontent in the country but is also able to strengthen his “liberal” credentials before the west. But we now need to step up the campaign to obtain the release of those others who are still in prison, including Maksat Dosmagambetov, who has suffered severe torture and as a result of his beatings, now suffers facial bone cancer.
Roza has been one of those who has not been afraid to speak out about who was responsible for the events in Zhenaozen on 16th December 2011. As a result she has become a symbol for freedom of speech and human rights in Kazakhstan.
