Repressions and Political Prisoners in Tokayev’s “New Kazakhstan”

Repressions and Political Prisoners in Tokayev’s “New Kazakhstan”

18.08.2023

Disclamer This report provides an overview of political persecution and human rights violations in Kazakhstan, as well as a list of political prisoners in Kazakhstan. The information presented in this report was collected with the assistance of Kazakhstani human rights defenders and civil activists. In addition, the report is based on data provided by victims […]

The Victim of the January Events was Tortured and Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison on Trumped-up Charges

The Victim of the January Events was Tortured and Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison on Trumped-up Charges

23.01.2023

On 29 November 2022, a court in Kyzylorda sentenced Kazybek Kudaibergenov to 17 years in prison. He was found guilty of “participation in the mass disorders” (Article 272 of the Criminal Code) during the January events, as well as “use of violence against a representative of the authority and attempt on the life of a […]

KAZAKHSTAN: The List of Political Prisoners and Other Victims of Political Persecutions

KAZAKHSTAN: The List of Political Prisoners and Other Victims of Political Persecutions

20.10.2022

Disclaimer: This brief contains lists of political prisoners, victims of torture and mass shooting in January 2022, victims of political persecution, including Kazakhstani human rights defenders, and Karakalpakstani civil activists (at risk of extradition to Uzbekistan) – identified by human rights defenders. The lists are not exhaustive. The information provided in this brief has been […]

The Shooting of Peaceful Protesters in Karakalpakstan

The Shooting of Peaceful Protesters in Karakalpakstan

03.08.2022

Uzbekistan hides the names of those killed, missing, and victims of mass arbitrary detentions The report was prepared by a coalition of human rights organisations #ActivistsNotExtremists, including the Open Dialogue Foundation, “Qaharman” Human Rights Foundation, “Elimay” Human Rights Movement, “Bostandyq Kz” Human Rights Initiative, “Femina Virtute” Human Rights Movement, “Article 14” Human Rights Movement, “405” […]

Kazakhstan: Persecution of relatives of victims of mass shootings and torture for demanding a fair investigation

Kazakhstan: Persecution of relatives of victims of mass shootings and torture for demanding a fair investigation

18.07.2022

After the tragic January events, the Kazakhstani authorities publicly refused to ensure an international investigation into the matter and said they would conduct an objective and full investigation themselves

The Aftermath of the Bloody January Crackdown on Prodemocratic Protests in Kazakhstan

The Aftermath of the Bloody January Crackdown on Prodemocratic Protests in Kazakhstan

17.06.2022

Key points In early January 2022, mass protests were held across Kazakhstan demanding that Nursultan Nazarbayev step down from power and extensive political reforms. The authorities declared protesters ‘terrorists’ and resorted to a violent crackdown on the protests, ordering to shoot to kill without warning. A Russian-led CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organisation) military force was […]

Mass shootings and torture of peaceful protesters in Kazakhstan: Country’s authorities cannot be trusted. The need of independent international investigation

Mass shootings and torture of peaceful protesters in Kazakhstan: Country’s authorities cannot be trusted. The need of independent international investigation

23.02.2022

Mass protests in early January 2022 in Kazakhstan took place in 48 cities and over 40 localities. Growing repression, the deteriorating economic situation and bogus reforms caused this unprecedented social upheaval in the modern history of independent Kazakhstan.

Police Brutality in Poland: Protecting Citizens and Enforcing Accountability. An online event with MEPs

Police Brutality in Poland: Protecting Citizens and Enforcing Accountability. An online event with MEPs

03.08.2021

On July 20th, 2021, we organised an online hearing on the worrisome situation in Poland regarding police brutality against peaceful protestors. The event has also featured the presentation of our “Appeal against Brutality and Impunity of Police in Poland” with the attached list of recent instances of police abuse against activists and demonstrators, and signed […]

Appeal Against Police Violence and Impunity in Poland

Appeal Against Police Violence and Impunity in Poland

13.07.2021

In defence of freedom of assembly and the rights of protestors We, citizens of the Republic of Poland and the European Union, oppose the violence of the Polish police against participants in peaceful pro-democracy protests and the impunity of officers who break the law.  After the political camp centred around the Law and Justice (PiS) […]

Kazakhstan: MEPs are shocked by the deaths of human rights activists

Kazakhstan: MEPs are shocked by the deaths of human rights activists

31.10.2020

On October 16, 2020, two letters signed by twenty-four MEPs representing 14 EU Member States addressed Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the context of the extremely worrying human rights trend in the country.

Kremlin Repression Continues. Letter of support for Open Russia activist

Kremlin Repression Continues. Letter of support for Open Russia activist

15.07.2020

The case of Daria El Zhed, a Russian opposition activist, has become one more example of political persecution against members and leaders of the Open Russia opposition movement. This movement was founded by Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a long-time opponent of the Russian authoritarian regime. Daria El Zhed asked for political asylum in Austria. Now she may have to face extradition from Austria to Russia, where she will be tortured and subject to unfair investigation and trial.

ODF welcomes former Kazakhstani political prisoner, Iskander Yerimbetov, in Geneva

ODF welcomes former Kazakhstani political prisoner, Iskander Yerimbetov, in Geneva

04.07.2020

This morning, 4 July 2020, Iskander Yerimbetov, Kazakhstani political prisoner released on 30 December of last year, arrived at the Geneva Airport, Switzerland, after he was granted a humanitarian visa. ODF, the Italian Federation for Human Rights (FIDU) and his family warmly welcomed him at the airport, congratulating Iskander for this long-awaited day. This is […]

Mukhtar Dzhakishev, a Kazakhstani political prisoner and victim of torture, has been released from prison

Mukhtar Dzhakishev, a Kazakhstani political prisoner and victim of torture, has been released from prison

20.03.2020

On March 19th 2020 a Kazakhstani political prisoner and a torture victim, Mukhtar Dzhakishev, has been released from prison. On March 3th, 2020, a court in Semey (Kazakhstan) ruled to free him on parole and under probation supervision. The decision came as a surprise since all previous release requests were rejected. During the past decade, Dzhakishev was denied the right to a fair and public trial, the right to defence, and the right to humane treatment, while the deterioration of his health was reported by international observers.

Kazakhstan: A dialogue or bluff?

Kazakhstan: A dialogue or bluff?

19.02.2020

This report provides an analysis of Kazakhstan’s implementation of the European Parliament Resolution of 14 March 2019 on the human rights situation in the country (2019/2610(RSP).

List of Kazakhstani political prisoners and other politically prosecuted persons

List of Kazakhstani political prisoners and other politically prosecuted persons

31.01.2020

This report examines the cases of 56 victims of politically motivated criminal prosecutions in Kazakhstan. Among them, at least 16 are political prisoners who remain in prisons or pre-trial detention facilities.

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