Kazakhstan

In February 2003, John Bowis spoke on the European Parliament resolution concerning Kazakhstan. In the wake of the dubious circumstances surrounding the arrest and sentence to three and a half years in prison of the human rights activist in Kazakhstan, Sergei Duvanov, MEPs adopted a resolution calling for his immediate release and the launching of an independent investigation, not only into this case but also into the circumstances concerning the imprisonment of opposition leaders, Mukhtar Ablyazov and Galymzhan Zhakiyanov. The Kazakhstan authorities are requesting to provide information on similar cases going through the courts and to respect international standards with regard to respect for human rights.

In the debate John said "Kazakhstan must not slip on its road [to becoming a democratic state]. We are watching, listening and supporting."

Click here for John's speech.

Click here for the text of the Parliament's resolution.