ALMATY, Kazakhstan — A prominent international advocacy group demanded Monday that Kazakhstan suspend the ongoing trial of 37 people accused of mounting mass riots in a western oil town last year.
New York-based Human Rights Watch said in a statement that many defendants claim that they only gave incriminating testimony after being subjected to physical abuse while in detention.
The unrest in Zhanaozen in December came after a seven-month long occupation of the main square by oil workers demanding higher salaries. A confrontation with police descended into rioting during which at least 16 people were killed.
A number of police officers are expected to go on trial for deploying live rounds against rioters.
The events stunned the country and exposed seething social tensions in the otherwise stable oil-rich nation, prompting international concern.
Authorities argue that the Zhanaozen disturbances were organized by individuals seeking to sow political instability.
HRW says defendants were beaten and ill-treated into giving statements incriminating themselves and others.
"Torture is a serious crime. The defendants' allegations need to be investigated and anyone responsible brought to account," said Mihra Rittmann, a Central Asia researcher at HRW.
One person detained by police and held in custody for two days died several days later from injuries apparently sustained in custody, the group said.
Interior Ministry officials have previously denied all claims that participants in the disorder in Zhanaozen were mistreated.
Hearings began last month and some defendants face up to 10 years in prison.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
