Anti-Nuclear Activists Face Trial as Kazakhstan Advances Nuclear Energy Plans

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Five Kazakhstani activists who opposed the country's nuclear power plant construction are set to stand trial, marking a significant development in the ongoing legal battle that has persisted since their arrests before last year's controversial referendum.

Court Proceedings Begin

The Almaly District Court of Almaty has received the cases of five activists detained in September 2023, just ahead of Kazakhstan's nuclear power plant referendum. Defense lawyer Tolegen Berlikozha confirmed the transfer, stating that while preparations are underway, no hearing date has been scheduled yet.

According to human rights defender Bakhytzhan Toregozhina, the case is expected to be formally registered in the state judicial registry on June 20, moving the legal proceedings into their next phase after months of detention and investigation.

Background: Mass Arrests Before Nuclear Referendum

The current court cases stem from a series of arrests that took place on September 29, 2023, when Almaty police detained 12 activists who had been campaigning against the proposed nuclear power plant construction. The timing, just before the national referendum on the nuclear project, raised concerns among civil rights advocates about the suppression of dissenting voices.

Of the 12 initially detained activists, seven were released on written pledges not to leave the country:

• Nurgul Zheksembieva

• Akmaral Shatemirkzy

• Galina Akkuzova

• Zhenis Maksutova

• Rakysh Tokmanbet

• Azat Toleukhan

• Erbolat Aubakirov

However, five activists faced more serious consequences. On October 1, 2023, they were formally arrested and held for two months:

• Nurlan Zhaulibaev

• Zhanat Kazakhbai

• Fazylzhan Syzdykov

• Nurlan Temirgaliev

• Aidar Mubarakov

Serious Charges and Evidence Claims

The five activists now facing trial have been charged with "attempting to organize mass riots," a serious criminal offense that could result in significant prison sentences. Police authorities have maintained that the activists were actively planning to incite public disorder.

Supporting their case, law enforcement officials cited results from a psychological-philological examination that allegedly revealed evidence of the activists' intentions. According to police statements, the analysis identified "calls for rallies, fundraising for organizing rallies, as well as calls to fight against the authorities."

Concerns Over Witness Protection Rights

A troubling development in the case involves the legal status of witnesses. Activist Nurgul Zheksembieva, one of those released on bail, reported that seven individuals who previously held protected witness status have been reclassified as ordinary witnesses, potentially reducing their legal protections during the proceedings.

This change in witness classification has raised additional concerns among human rights advocates about the fairness of the upcoming trial and the protection of those involved in the case.

Broader Context: Kazakhstan's Nuclear Ambitions

The arrests and subsequent trial occur against the backdrop of Kazakhstan's push to develop nuclear energy capabilities. The government has promoted nuclear power as essential for the country's energy security and economic development, while opponents have raised concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the lack of public consultation.

The referendum, which proceeded despite the arrests of prominent opposition voices, reflected the deep divisions within Kazakhstani society over the nuclear energy question.

Current Status and What's Next

As the case moves forward in the Almaly District Court, the five activists face an uncertain future. Their trial will likely serve as a test case for how Kazakhstan handles political dissent and civil society opposition to major government initiatives.

The legal proceedings are being closely watched by human rights organizations, both domestically and internationally, as they could set important precedents for future activism and political expression in Kazakhstan.

Defense preparations are ongoing, and the activism community continues to monitor developments as the country balances its energy ambitions with questions of democratic participation and civil liberties.