Statement on the need for the authorities of Kazakhstan to take urgent measures in connection with the spread of COVID-19

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.