Court Trials on Zanaozen Tragedy, Kazakhstan: ITUC Calls for Sentences to Be Reconsidered

Many months of dispute between oil workers and the management of oil companies in Zanaozen resulted in disorders, violence and the uncontrolled use of force by police, which caused the death of 17 and injuries to dozens of people.

Not only oil workers were killed and injured, but also citizens who had no involvement in the conflict.

Dozens of people were subsequently charged, and many of them were sentenced to different terms in prison. According to the information received by the ITUC, numerous violations were recorded during the trial and some of the trial witnesses stated that they were tortured. Nevertheless, the trial has not been suspended.

In a letter sent to the authorities, the ITUC urged President Nazarbayev to take all necessary measures to reconsider the sentences and to investigate all cases of torture and provocation.

“Inaction on the part of the authorities during many months contestation led to bloodshed,” said Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary. “It is totally unacceptable that now those dubious trials add more misery and tragedy to the oil city. The sentences must be reconsidered.”

The labourstart.org has launched an online campaign “Justice for oil-workers”