ALMATY, Kazakhstan — Supporters of Kazakhstan opposition leader Vladimir Kozlov said his trial on charges of seeking to overthrow the nation's government will begin this week.
Kozlov's wife, Aliya Turusbekova, said Saturday that she believed authorities would seek a quick trial over the August holiday period to minimize public scrutiny. She said the first hearing is scheduled for Thursday.
Kozlov's Alga party says the case is aimed at eliminating opposition to the former Soviet republic's authoritarian regime. It has expressed fears that if Kozlov is convicted on charges that include inciting social unrest and heading a criminal gang, he could face over a decade behind bars.
(AP)
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.
