VP/HR — Arbitrary detention and use of torture in Kazakhstan

21.3.2018

Question for written answer E-001711-18
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)

Several political prisoners are being unlawfully detained in Kazakhstan. Their rights to a fair trial and to defence have been violated, while their lawyers and family members are constantly being intimidated and harassed.

The systemic use of torture is also a matter of grave concern. Kazakhstan has ignored appeals from the UN human rights bodies to release some of the prisoners, who have been subject to torture and ill treatment and are in some cases consequently suffering from life-threatening diseases and need urgent medical care.

What steps will the EEAS undertake to support the UN’s request for the release of these political prisoners?

The EEAS conducted a visit to the prisoner Yerimbetov, which the Kazakhstani authorities misused as a pretext to close the investigation into his torture. How will the EEAS respond to such actions?