On December 16th, 2011 oil workers were peacefully on strike in Zhanaozen, Kazakhstan. A group of unidentified individuals started a riot and began destroying equipment and property. According to Human Rights Watch, police forces started using deadly force against the peaceful protesters, resulting in the deaths of at least ten people and the injury of dozens of others.
During the police crackdown, many people were detained. Those in police custody have reportedly been beaten and tortured with the police breaking noses, hands and legs and punching them repeatedly in the stomach and face. Furthermore, the authorities have cut off telephone service in Zhanaozen which makes it impossible for those who are injured to call their families or their lawyers.
Tell the government of Kazakhstan that they must investigate these allegations of torture and human rights abuses.
We the undersigned demand that the allegations of torture by detainees in Zhanaozen be investigated immediately. Reports have indicated that they are being tortured and beaten while in police custody and that they do not have access to their families or their lawyers. This is unacceptable as torturing and beating detainees and not allowing them to have access to the help they need is a violation of their human rights.
These detainees must be allowed to contact their families and lawyers if need be. They also should be treated with dignity while in custody. Please show your citizens that their government supports them. Show the world that Kazakhstan is a supporter of human rights and is a just and fair country.
Thank you.
