APPEAL OF THE DEMOCRATIC FORCES OF KAZAKHSTAN TO THE
PEOPLE AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
We, the people of Kazakhstan, have been opposed to the
dictatorial regime of Nursu
ltan Nazarbayev for 30 years. He usurped political
power and privatized all the wealth above and below the land of Kazakh into the hands
of his family and accomplices. The people’s voting rights and civil rights were
violated: he prevented the formation of independent political parties,
political leaders were persecuted, convicted, imprisoned, and some were shot
and killed. Thus, he did not allow the establishment of civil society in the
country. The country is plagued by bribery and corruption, the population is
unemployed and poor. Citizens’ political rights and human rights are violated.
Dictatorships rule the country in two ways: one is
through false political propaganda, and the other is through terrorism.
On January 2, 2022, the population of Zhanaozen,
Mangystau region, protested against the doubling of gas prices. On January 3 and 4,
the protests reached the cities of Aktau, Atyrau, Aktobe, Uralsk, and
Almaty, and they continued throughout the country. Economic and social demands were
followed by political demands. The people shouted, “Go away, old man!” and
demanded the resignation of Nazarbayev and his appointee Tokayev.
On the night of January 4, authorities in Almaty used
weapons, tear gas, grenades, and armored vehicles to disperse some 30,000
peaceful protesters. On January 5, the mayor’s office, the presidential
residence, and nearby buildings were set on fire by provocative criminals and
religious radical groups, such as the Wild Arman, who are affiliated with the
government. Citizens who tried to stop the hooligans were beaten.
Authorities aggravated the situation and destabilized
it. Hooliganism and looting became rampant in the city.
President K. Tokayev labeled this as
“terrorism” and asked for help from the CSTO member states. An anti-terrorist operation has been underway in Almaty since January 6.
We, the people of Kazakhstan, ordinary citizens are
not terrorists! The protesters did not have any weapons.
The people are strongly opposed to the entry of CSTO
troops into our independent country, the decision that was made by the current
puppet government of Kazakhstan, which is colluding with the Kremlin. Only the
name of this organization is the CSTO, in reality, it is the army of the Russian
Empire led by Vladimir Putin.
Therefore, we consider the entry of CSTO troops into
Kazakhstan as an aggression by the Kremlin!
Kazakhstan’s independence is threatened!
Taking advantage of the artificial socio-political
instability in the country, the authorities are organizing a campaign of mass
persecution of civil society activists, shifting the blame to the democratic
forces, as was the case in Zhanaozen in 2011. Political activists and true
patriots have nothing to do with organized provocations and violence.
In this regard, we ask for help from the international
community, the United States, and the European Union! In accordance with
international pacts and agreements, we ask you not to allow the innocent
punishment of peaceful protesters and members of democratic organizations!
Signatories:
Zhasaral Kuanyshalin, representative of DVK
Shynkuat Baizhanov, lawyer, human rights activist
Zharylkap Kalybay, director of ANYZ ADAM media
company, public figure
Mahmut Kosmambetov, journalist
Bakhytzhan Kosbarmakov, journalist
Duman Muhammadkarim, independent journalist
Koszhigit Talzhan, a member of the public organization
“Volunteers of the True Fatherland”
Turarbek Kussaiyn, Chairman of the Demos Public
Association
Aigerim Abdizhalelova, civil activist
Talgat Aitbai, publicist-writer, director of Tolganai
T LLP
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| Page one of the above letter in Kazakh (Photo: ChinaAid source) |
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| Page two in Kazakh (Photo: ChinaAid source) |