Uprising!
You will have seen and read about the magnificent uprising of workers in Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, that movement seems to have come to a halt for the moment. According to information from contacts in Kazakhstan, it looks as if hundreds of workers have been killed or injured. The state forces are harassing family members of those involved in the uprising; they are arresting and imprisoning activists. The movement in Kazakhstan desperately needs help from the international workers’ movement.
Latest News
Eyewitness account from Independent Trade Union Leader in Kazakhstan
A leader of Amanat gives a brief overview of the recent events in Kazakhstan.
Protests at the Russian Embassy in Berlin
A spontaneous protest of about 30 people took place outside the Russian embassy in Berlin on 12 January, among them members of the German section
Kazakhstan: Unprecedented, simultaneous mass protests spread across the country
An explosion of anger has spread across Kazakhstan in the first days of January 2022. The spark was a doubling of the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas – the most common fuel used in the country. A state of emergency at least until January 19th has been announced in the second largest city, Almaty, (where the mayor’s office was stormed) and in Mangistau. Night curfews from 11.00pm to 7.00am have been imposed.
What can you do to help?
Send Solidarity Messages
Messages of support are important to those on the ground in Kazakhstan. A simple message of solidarity can be passed on via Campaign Kazakhstan
Send Protest Letters
Protests to the Kazakhstan Ambassador (see attached “model” letter) We know from past campaigns that a simple protest letter can have a big effect and a large number of protests will make the Kazakhstan authorities think carefully about how they proceed.
Provide Financial Assistance
Financial assistance is urgently required to pay for legal fees to defend those arrested. Money is also needed to provide some social support for families who have lost a bread winner and those who need medical aid.
Publicise Our Appeal
Download the appeal leaflet and raise it at your trade union branch. We welcome requests for speakers for meetings - details can be found on the printable leaflet.