Kazakhstan protests: TİHV calls for an end to rights violations

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The Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV/HRFT) has called for an end to the violations of the right to life and torture in Kazakhstan protests.

While the protests started on January 2 after LPG price increases, the public now puts forward democratic demands such as the election of governors, a return to the 1993 Constitution, which restricts the term of office and the authority of the president, the foundation stated.

"However, the ruling elite that has been ruling Kazakhstan, which declared its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, for 30 years without interruption, declared protesters 'terrorists,' 'putschists,' and even 'enemies,' in an approach that is very familiar to us, the people of Turkey," said the TİHV.

"As many authoritarian regimes do, [Kazakhstan] shows a reflex to completely abolish human rights as the first thing to do in the face of an extraordinary situation.

"Moreover, the president of the country says, 'I gave orders to open fire without warning.' As a result of this, according to reports in the media, at least 164 people lost their lives."

Turkey announced support for Kazakhstan government after the protests began. (TP/VK)