Taking into account the systematic failure by the authorities of Kazakhstan to ensure the implementation of the rights of prisoners in detention facilities, we, representatives of human rights organisations and citizens hereby call on the international community to take all urgent measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus infection in penal colonies and detention centres of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
We insist on the urgent need to release all prisoners whose criminal prosecution was recognised as politically motivated by human rights organisations and to replace the unserved portion of their prison terms for milder forms of punishment. Those people include political prisoners Aset Abishev, Almat Zhumagulov, Kenzhebek Abishev, Aron Atabek, Maks Bokayev, Yerzhan Yelshibayev, Sanat Bukenov, Zhambyl Kobeisinov, Ruslan Ginatullin, Igor Chuprin, Igor Sychev, Murager Alimuly, Kaster Musakhanuly and the victim of politically motivated prosecution Dmitriy Pestov.
Following the introduction of the state of emergency in Kazakhstan in connection with the spread of COVID-19 (from 16 March 2020), at least 32 civil activists have been detained in seven cities for expressing their opinions. At least 17 people received administrative fines and warnings. Statistics show that instead of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the authorities are continuing to harass their political opponents.
Monitoring missions in places of detention in Kazakhstan have repeatedly uncovered violations of the conditions of detention of prisoners, paying particular attention to the failure to provide appropriate medical care and the use of torture. The UN Human Rights Council points to the lack of an effective mechanism to investigate torture in Kazakhstan. At the same time, the European Parliament criticises Kazakhstan its use of torture with impunity. Thus, the detention conditions of prisoners in Kazakhstani prisons and pre-trial detention centres do not meet international standards and pose a particular threat during the spread of the coronavirus infection.
The penal colonies do not comply with quarantine conditions; inmates and prison staff do not have personal protective masks, COVID-19 tests, or the necessary medicines (paracetamol). In the conditions of living in barrack-type buildings (with from 30 to 150 people in one room), there is no possibility for self-isolation of prisoners. There is information that acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) enter the penal colonies through employees. Paramedics in the penal colonies are not able to establish a diagnosis for sick inmates or provide them with the necessary medical care.
The Kazakhstani authorities systematically ignore information about the true state of prisoners from human rights defenders, preferring to use official information from the Committee on the Criminal Executive System, which is neither objective nor unbiased. Kazakhstani authorities persecute those who inform society about violations in the penitentiary system. Moreover, inmates themselves are often afraid to report offences, as this could negatively influence their treatment in the penal colonies.
In the situation of the coronavirus infection pandemic, it is the inmates who are the most vulnerable and constitute one of the main risk groups for contracting the virus.
The authorities of Kazakhstan should refrain from choosing arrest as a preventive measure against civil society activists being prosecuted for expressing their opinions and against participants in unregistered peaceful civil society movements, and should review previously selected preventive measures in favour of those not involving detention. In the context of the economic crisis that Kazakhstan is experiencing, penalties for activists for expressing their opinions should be lifted.
Based on the aforementioned, having in mind the provisions of the UN Convention Against Torture, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the statement of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment of 20 March 2020, we hereby urge the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the OSCE/ODIHR, WHO, and diplomatic missions in Kazakhstan to appeal to the Kazakhstani authorities to:
- Reduce the number of people serving sentences in places of detention by reviewing and selecting a non-custodial measure of punishment for persons recognised as political prisoners by human rights organisations (indicated above).
- Refrain from arrest as a preventive measure against activists prosecuted for expressing their opinions, citizens supporting the ideas of unregistered peaceful movements, opposition journalists and bloggers.
- Review previous court judgements on administrative arrest of participants in peaceful protests and unregistered peaceful movements, in favour of non-custodial measures.
- Annul all administrative penalties imposed on activists during the state of emergency.
- Observe the rights of prisoners in accordance with the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, as approved by the UN Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders as a condition for the development of investment cooperation and reform support programmes.
- Allow international monitoring missions to verify the conditions of detention of inmates in prisons and pre-trial detention facilities in Kazakhstan, with the participation of diplomatic missions of EU member states, and representatives of the OSCE office in Kazakhstan.
- Refrain from using the state of emergency for unjustified violations of human rights and freedoms, suppression of dissent, and prosecution of activists and human rights defenders.
Signed by:
- Toregozhina Bakhytzhan, Public Foundation ‘Ar.Rukh.Khak’, Almaty
- Ageleuov Galym, Public Civil Society Foundation ‘Liberty’, Almaty
- Semyonova Yelena, Civil Society Association ‘We Are Against Torture’, Pavlodar
- Human Rights Initiative ‘Kakharman’, Nur-Sultan
- Human Rights Movement ‘405’, Nur-Sultan
- Temirgalinov Akylbek, activist, Pavlodar
- Zhuaspaeva Gulnara, attorney for East Kazakhstan region, Almaty
- Dzhimbaev Murat, Karaganda
- Mukhametzhanov Saylaubek, retiree, Almaty
- Utepova Aigul, human rights activist, Astana
- Begishevа Unzila, Almaty and ect.
- Babashev Marslen, lawyer, Almaty
- Ulzhagalieva Toygan, Atyrau
- Kudaibergenov Yerzhan, Taraz
- Kaltaeva Nazira, lawyer, Shymkent
- Aytozha Fazyl, civic activist, retiree, Karaganda
- Krestyansky Gennady, civic activist, Almaty
- Dzhanabaeva Asel, journalist, Almaty
- Abdurakhmanov Marat , economist, Almaty
- Ashim Ardak, Shymkent
- Zhakyp Akan, Kоkshetau
- Amirova Ayzhan, Almaty
- Yeshodin Erbol, cook, Astana
- Adenov Kenzhe, self-employed, Almaty
- Bagnur Bek, Almaty
- Urazbekov Arman, Atyrau
- Sadvakasova Ayia, Stepnogorsk
- Khamzina Nursulu, Astana
- Uvaliev Kuat, self-employed, Semey
- Cherkazyanova Lina, Kapchagay
- Zhusip Sagat, retiree, Kyzylorda
- Demeuova Zhazira, Almaty
- Moldabekov Daniyar, Almaty
- Amanzhol Bakhtiyar, composer, Almaty
- Kenzhegaraev November, journalist, Almaty region
- Serzhan Gulzada, Almaty
- Zhanakbaev Gulbala, Almaty
- Mashpiev Rollan, Semey
- Imanbai Inga, journalist, Almaty
- Naurzbaeva Zira, moderator of the site Otuken.kz, Astana
- Kaliev Erlan, human rights activist, Almaty
- Zhahin Serik, Astana
- Ablyazova Karlygash, Almaty
- Sembay Dosan, Almaty
- Seidakhmetova Zubaida, teacher of elementary school, Astana
- Ibrayimkhanuly Khalelkhan, Almaty
- Onlanbekkyzy Asel, Astana
- Zharylgap Kalybay, Almaty
- Gulshat Adi, Almaty
- Khamzina Maria, Pavlodar
- Zhakupova Aliya, doctor, Astana
- Aimuhametova Saule, Almaty
- Kopbaeva Botakoz, Almaty
- Umirbaev Darkhan, Astana
- Tuleubaeva Nazgul, Astana
- Satekov Bakytgali, builder, Almaty
- Tazhkenov Amantay, Aktobe
- Abisheva Dinara, Astana
- Egeubaeva Dinara, Almaty
- Alkhodzhaev Talgat, Shymkent
- Biekenov Serik, Aktobe
- Suleimenov Zhaslan, civil activist, blogger, Astana
- Askarov Serik, Astana
- Zhanuzakov Marat, Kokshetau
- Zhanuzakova Ayman, Kokshetau
- Sazambaev Mahabbat, Astana
- Musirova Aigerim, Almaty
- Alzhanov Kuandyk, Aktobe
- Ahmedyarov Askhat, Astana
- Nurusheva Alma, Astana
- Khamzin Abuzar, Astana
- Amangeldіgizi Aynur, teacher and activist, Kyzylorda
- Sabanshiev Erkin, engineer, Talgar
- Erseitov Kaisar, Aktobe
- Sand-Ahmet Sandugash, freelancer, Kostanay
- Aydarbekova Saule, Almaty
- Musaeva Roza Zhanabaevna, pensioner, Astana
- Zhubanov Tlegen, Semey
- Klyshev Kairat, activist of “Koshe party”, Almaty
- Temirkulova Zhanar, Astana
- Shardarov Saken, Almaty
- Popova Venus, Zhanaozen
- Toleu Bakhtiyar, Karagandy
- Kalasov Askar, Аktobe
- Valiev Darkhan, Taldykorgan
- Bespaeva Fariza, Astana
- Abdіgappar Zhomart, activist, Almaty
- Atygayev Nurlan, Almaty
- Sabitov Aybek, Astana
- Musaeva Rosa, retiree, Astana
- Akimov Kuanysh, Zaysan
- Aminov Serik, Astana
- Imangalieva Dinara, Lenger
- Shocken Mayra, Astana
- Suleimenova Almira, manager, Ust-Kamenogorsk
- Umarkulova Dana, Almaty
- Dzhakishev Nurlan, Almaty
- Kiyabaeva Ardak, Almaty
- Usenova Gulsara, Astana
- Abdrakhmanov Nurlan, Oral
- Izmagambetova Zhanil, Aktau
- Kalykova Gulmira, Astana
- Jahin Amangeldy, Astana
- Kaimuldinov Bulat, Aktobe
- Rahmet Dana, Astana
- Asylkhanov Zhangazy, Almaty
- Kosanova Nazym, Shymkent
- Isaev Eduard, Almaty
- Ibraeva Karina, Astana
- Dzhangaskin Talgat, Semey
- Absemetova Ainura, Almaty
- Sabirbayev Abdikadir, Aktobe
- Zholamanova Bibіgul, retiree, Almaty
- Kaziev Erkin, Kaskelen
- Abdiev Konay, Almaty
- Kravets Eugene, Pavlodar
- Rakhat Rakilya, Almaty
- Arystanov Medet, activist, Astana
- Mukashev Samat, Astana
- Uksikbaev Nurkabyl, Aktobe
- Mysagali Duambekov, President of International Academy of Ecology, Karatau
- Tatybaev Duysenali, retiree, Shymkent
- Zainov Elubek, Almaty region
- Knasov Alibek, mechanic, Almaty
- Baitemirov Edige, Aksai
- Kozhalieva Togzhan, HAQ, Almaty
- Tuletaev Berikbay, Aktau
- Nurlibaeva Kenjesh, pensioner, Almaty
- Karabaeva Karlyga, Almaty region
- Zhumabekova Shuga, retiree, Astana
- Kydyrbaeva Ainur, Almaty
- Akkozy Anar, journalist, Almaty
- Aldabergenov Suyundyk, Almaty
- Baysagatov Aidar, activist, Uralsk
- Simonenko Sergey, Telecommunications Engineer, Petropavlovsk
- Aytkulova Nuraliya, Almaty
- Syzdykov Gani, Shymkent
- Battalova Dina, Pavlodar
- Talbaev Sharipkan, retiree, Almaty
- Duman Tursyn, Astana
- Malaev Erkin, Almaty
- Altynbekuly Marat, Kyzylorda
- Torebek Timur, Taraz
- Turusbekova Zhanar, Almaty
- Dosalieva Balakyz, Shymkent
- Kubasheva Darikh, retiree, Almaty
- Nuraliev Azamat, Atyrau
- Abayuly Murat, Kyzylorda
- Zhaksybaev Asset, Almaty
- Aituarov Ulan, Astana
- Mukanov Serik, Aktobe
- Tapenov Ayan, Atyrau
- Tuxikova Altynay, Aktobe
- Akhmedov Anuar, retiree, Shantobe
- Borykbaeva Kulumkhan, Almaty
- Alshynbekova Sheker, Astana
- Kulmakhanbet Nyrgul, Shymkent
- Khalelova Bakiz, civic activist, Uralsk
- Meyrambek Nurkhan, Astana
- Tastaev Nyrsyltan, Zhetisay
- Narekenov Aslan, builder, Almaty
- Madrol Adel, Almaty
- Zholmakhanova Faya, veteran journalist, Almaty
- Zhumabaev Eric, Uralsk
- Erkinbek Tleukhan, chief specialist, Almaty
- Tazhgalieva Asemgul, Uralsk
- Rakhanov Azamat, Aktobe
- Kozybaeva Kaldykan, retiree, Astana
- Alenova Nazgul, Uralsk
- Suyungarina Gulzhan, Karaganda
- Istanbul Gani, FreeKazakhs
- Esmukhanbetov Madiyar, Almaty
- Zhumagaliev Arman
- Zakarina Laura, seamstress, Petropavlovsk
- Azhibaeva Saule, retiree, Astana
- Takupova Kalamkas, Atyrau
- Turmanova Karlygash, Almaty
- Karmanova Mahabbat, Almaty
- Abuov Ertas, Almaty
- Suleimenov Kuanysh, Aktobe
- Zhylkyshybay Eldos
- Koptleuova Aktamak, IFJ blogger and journalist, Aktobe
- Battalova Zauresh, Nur-Sultan
- Kabdualieva Kaysha, Almaty
- Kabieva Menzada, Uralsk
- Katuov Zhanbolat, Uralsk
- Khozhina Lyazzat, Astana
- Mukhamedkalievna Inkar, Astana
- Ayazbekov Auzhan, Astana
- Arkhangelsky George, retiree, Almaty
- Seydakhmetova Lyazzat, Astana
- Sembay Asgar, Astana
- Izbasova Rome, Aktobe
- Shakhaydarova Hadish, Astana
- Kakimova Indira, Ust-Kamenogorsk
- Pavel Aigul, human rights activist, Uralsk
- Myrzalieva Ainur, Astana
- Berdenov Kenzhekhan, Kyzylorda
- Karzhaubaeva Sharbat, Almaty
- Ginayatova Anna, Kaskelen
- Yeseneeva Aigul, Astana
- Rustem Kambar, Almaty
- Fayzullaev Erlan, Shymkent
- Oshanbekov Nurzhan, engineer, Almaty
- Umarbekov Sarsengali, Ust-Kamenogorsk
- Ilyashev Alnur, civic activist, Almaty
- Zhabagin Yerkhan, Astana
- Omarova Raushan, Almaty
- Fayzullina Gulkhan
- Tleukhan Gulzhanar, Almaty
- Kamiev Zhanat, Shakhtinsk
- Poshymov Talgat, Astana
- Shaltykov Zemfira, Almaty
- Akberdieva Aigul, civil activist, Aktau
- Zhakulov Saulet, Karaganda
- Kutzhan Aydos, Almaty
- Usenova Gulnar, retiree, Almaty
- Amangeldy Murat, Astana
- Sultanova Klara, Astana
- Aytzhanov Serik, Almaty
- Ismailova Raushan, Almaty
- Nurgazin Bolat, civic activist, Aktau
- Gabitova Umil, engineer-geologist, Almaty
- Kurmangalieva Meruert, art critic, Astana
- Shaigumarov Askar, Uralsk
- Sagimbekov Eric, Almaty
- Serikbaev Gadylbek, Astana
- Telbaev Mukhtar, unemployed, Mangystau
- Dzhaukerova Gulzipa, civic activist, Almaty
- Zhumabekova Mamyr, Astana
- Serikpekova Nazym, architect-designer, Astana
- Abitov Omirzak, Turkestan region
- Sapenova Zakia, teacher, Almaty
- Makatova Karlygash, Almaty
- Koshybaeva Orynbasar, Astana
- Ahmedyarov Zhannat, Uralsk
- Kobezhanova Karlygash, retiree, Astana
- Arkaev Nigmat, Almaty
- Uskembaeva Margarita, Institute of Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities of Kazakhstan
- Esentur Aknur, retiree, Kokshetau
- Dosekeva Zhadra, Aktau
- Idyryshev Serik, East Kazakhstan Region
- Shagyrov Erlan, Atyrau
- Kizatova Tokzhan, human rights activist, Atyrau
- Almukhanov Bey-Gasyr, unemployed, Uralsk
- Baitemirov Edige, Aksai
- Akhmetova Niall, accountant, Almaty
- Kusainova Gulsara, Almaty
- Dzhakishev Bolat, civic activist, Talgar district
- Zhananov Zhumagali, Pavlodar
- Belgibaev Amangeldі, Almaty
- Ashirbaeva Meruert, Taraz
- Nurkhanov Serik, teacher, Pavlodar
- Zhaslanova Gulzira, cashier, Astana
- Ishmukhametov Farit, civic activist, Semey
- Amirova Zhanna, Almaty
- Zhunusov Zhanibek, Astana
- Makhambet Abzhan, journalist, Astana
- Daulybaeva Lyazzat, Almaty
- Seytzhanova Aigul, teacher, Astana
- Bayzharasov Kainar, Almaty
- Ilyasov Serik, economist, Karaganda
- Sembay Asgar, auditor, Astana
- Mashrapova Indira, individual entrepreneur, Karaganda
- Amirzhanova Saule, Almaty
- Shloma Julia
- Temirkhanova Rosa, teacher, Almaty
- Taneke Tolkyn, self-employed, Almaty
- Akhmetchenova May, teacher, Taldykorgan
- Dzhumaliev Kosay, Zhanaozen
- Barykbaeva Saltanat, recruiter, Astana
- Tilekmatov Emil, Almaty
- Tashimova Saltanat, artist, Almaty
- Isagaliev Rinat, human rights activist, Atyrau
- Uvalieva Amina, Almaty
- Kulyana Alina, journalist, Almaty
- Rysbek Sarsenbay, Almaty
- Aspandiyarova Marzhan, Almaty
- Baysholakov Altai, self-employed
- Sadykov Serik, Aktau
- Shyntemіr Gulzhiyan, Uralsk
- Kapar Aigerim, Independent Curator, Astana
- Sadykov Askar, Taraz
- Sharibaeva Gulnara, Almaty
- Tulesova Asia, civic activist, Almaty
- Eleusinov Amin, Aktau
- Ermekova Gulzhan, Astana
- Turguzhanova Ufilmalik, Almaty
- Bazarbay Altyn, civic activist, Uralsk
- Musaev Ilyas, Atyrau
- Shalabaev Salim
- Tazhibaeva Saltanat, Astana
- Yesirgepova Gulnar
- Turzhanova Gulsara, retiree, Astana
- Turkistan Mereke, Atyrau
- Raimbaev Canat, Almaty
- Nurkishev Zhanat, retiree, Astana
- Mingbaev Tangirbergen, Aktobe
- Ospanov Medet, Karaganda
- Bodanova Botagoz, housewife, Almaty
- Merkiyasov Baurzhan, Almaty
- Zhuntaev Kanatbek, Shymkent
- Sarsekeev Murat, Petropavlovsk
- Bisengaziev Zhenis, unemployed, Aktau
- Rustambaeva Zhanil, retiree, Satpayev
- Kim Irina, Almaty
- Tlebaldina Sabira, Astana
- Doskayyruly Zhaksylyk
- Ospanov Bulat, Almaty
- Pakhotnov Andrey, Almaty
- Sisemalieva Sapura, Atyrau
- Kalieva Danae, Almaty
- Tamabaeva Galia, Astana
- Kadyrzhanov Dastan, Almaty
- Karakuzova Dina, lawyer, Almaty
- Turumbaev Zhanybek, Kostanay
- Otarbaeva Bakhytnur, teacher, Almaty
- Tsishevskaya Dinara, Almaty
- Tuxikova Aklima, Aktobe
- Borasheva Ainur, unemployed, Almaty
- Dulatova Gulzinat, Kyzylorda
- Tolebaev Boken, Almaty
- Khismetova Sagira, Aktobe
- Akkoshkarov Sagatbek, self-employed, Satpayev
- Aktleuov Askar, Aktobe
- Serikzhanov Erbol, leading engineer, Almaty
- Ametov Darkhan
- Mukashev Darkhan, Astana
- Zhubangaliev Gadilbek, Uralsk
- Temirgaziev Aitzhan, Aktobe
- Kabieva Menzada, Uralsk
- Embergenova Kenzhe, Kyzylorda
- Nakhanova Nazira, Shymkent
- Tylevich Dina, mediator, Almaty
- Oserbaev Darkhan, Almaty
- Imanjanov Arman, Almaty
- Koesov Max, Atyrau
- Beysal Saken, Almaty
- Zhusipova Sulukhan, Almaty
- Satubaldin Dzhangeldy
- Altybasarova Sharban, Astana
- Temirkhanov Askar, Burabay
- Mukhametova Diana, Almaty
- Bakytbekovna Asel, Almaty
- Tazhibaeva Sulushash, engineer, Kokshetau
- Sadvakasova Ayia, individual entrepreneur, Stepnogorsk
- Nurgazieva Asel, human rights activist, Atyrau
- Umutbaev Manat, Semey
- Asylbek Sungat
- Kuanyshalin Zhasaral, public figure, Almaty
- Abdreimova Nuriyash, Aktau
- Balgarin Erkin, lawyer, Astana
- Zhumageldin Isa, Semey
- Oryngali Asgar, Astana
- Arynova Saule, lawyer, Pavlodar
- Osipova Gulya, retiree, Astana
- Sadvakasova Saule, Astana
- Dzhandosova Azhar, Almaty
- Kasimova Akmaral, Almaty
- Togizbaeva Gulzira, Almaty
- Pasechnik Rufiya, retiree, Karaganda
- Ergaziev Albek, Uralsk
- Musina Sholpan, Almaty
- Irgebaeva Gulbarshyn, Astana
- Shalabaev Salim
- Aukenova Tamara, retired infectious disease specialist, Almaty
- Tuseyev Elzhan, Almaty
- Utemisova Gulnar, Zhezkazgan
- Zhamangarina Shara, Satpayev
- Imanova Aizhan, Karaganda
- Rustambaeva Zhanyl, retiree, Satpayev
- Kassymkhan Ardak, Shymkent
- Akisheva Gulnar, Semey
- Garifulin Damel, Kokshetau
- Amirkenov Sultan, mediator, Taraz
- Isatayev Yklas, Zhanaоzen
- Kosanova Zhazira, Astana
- Omarov Askarali, director
- Razhanov Berik, Almaty
- Aukenova Tamara, Almaty
- Mukazhanova Rysty, Almaty
- Kereshova Gulfara, Almaty
- Satkenov Nurali, Kostanay
- Uszhanov Ansat, Aktau
- Akulbekov Galymbek, individual entrepreneur, Karaganda
- Karmanova Mahabbat, Almaty
- Abdizhalilova Ulbosyn, Astana
- Bayzharasov Kainar, Almaty
- Balymbetov Bakhytbek, individual entrepreneur, Almaty
- Kosanova Zhazira, Astana
- Mashanova Alla, retired
- Nogaev Berik, Almaty
- Zholamanova Bibіgul, retiree, Almaty
- Nurbauova Gulsim, retiree, Atyrau
- Halikov Bakytnur, Almaty
- Kudaibergenov Ruslan, Astana
- Berdimbetova Akzharkyn, Shymkent
- Kasymov Aitbay, Astana
- Asabaev Asylzhan, Shymkent
- Bekbasov Zhumakan, Almaty
- Dzhandsova Zhanar, Astana
- Temirshin Elegen, Uralsk
- Kokina Marzhan , entrepreneur, Pavlodar
- Tulegenova Karla, retiree, Almaty and ect.
April 6, 2020
