Human Rights Watch urges Kazakh trial suspension
ALMATY, Kazakhstan, APR 23 (AP/UNB) - A prominent international advocacy group has urged Kazakhstan to 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 Monday that many defendants claim they were subjected to physical abuse while in detention.
The unrest in Zhanaozen in December came after a monthslong 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.
Authorities argue that the disturbances were organized by individuals seeking to sow instability in the former Soviet Central Asian nation.
HRW says defendants were beaten and ill-treated into giving statements incriminating themselves and others.
New York-based Human Rights Watch said in a statement Monday that many defendants claim they were subjected to physical abuse while in detention.
The unrest in Zhanaozen in December came after a monthslong 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.
Authorities argue that the disturbances were organized by individuals seeking to sow instability in the former Soviet Central Asian nation.
HRW says defendants were beaten and ill-treated into giving statements incriminating themselves and others.
Comments
No Comments on this News
