Hundreds Protest Government And Riot Trial In Almaty

Hundreds of people have protested in the Kazakh city of Almaty against the country’s government.

The protesters also called for the release of 37 people on trial for allegedly organizing riots in the western city of Zhanaozen.

The Associated Press news agency reports that about 10 people, including opposition figures, were detained by police at the demonstration.

The report, which quoted witnesses, could not immediately be independently confirmed.

Those on trial in connection with the Zhanaozen riots are accused of fomenting unrest there last December during a strike by oil workers who were calling for higher pay.

Police shot dead at least 16 people in Zhanaozen.

Human Rights Watch has called for the suspension of their trials, saying many defendants claim they were forced to confess by authorities who abused them physically in jail.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP