Kazakhstan Prosecutors Seek 5-Year Terms for Atazhurt Activists amid Closed Trial
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Kazakhstan's prosecutors have requested five-year prison sentences for nine activists of the unregistered Atazhurt party, accused of inciting ethnic hatred. The activists are on trial in a closed session in Taldykorgan. The court is expected to deliver its verdict after the defendants' final statements on April 9.
The Charges
The activists of the unregistered Atazhurt party are accused of inciting ethnic hatred following a protest in Almaty region in November last year. During the protest, they criticized Chinese authorities and burned three Chinese flags and a portrait of President Xi Jinping. Initially charged with minor hooliganism, they now face charges that could lead to up to 10 years in prison.
International Response
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have called for the release of the detained activists and the dropping of charges. These groups argue that the charges are politically motivated. Meanwhile, Aimanur Turganbay, a Kazakh detained in China, was sentenced to 2.5 years in a trial without family presence.
Prosecutors seek opposition bans
Kazakh prosecutors have requested the outlawing of two opposition movements critical of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, along with several related media outlets, citing concerns over extremism. The move is linked to the recent jailing of activists from the unregistered Atazhurt party.
What's Next
The court's verdict is anticipated after the final statements on April 9. It remains uncertain how the international community will respond if harsh sentences are imposed.
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Kazakhstan Prosecutors Seek 5-Year Terms for Atazhurt Activists amid Closed Trial
