Schangaösen-Massaker

Vorlage:Infobox uprising The 2011 Kazakhstan clashes began on 16 December 2011 and have so far resulted in at least 14 deaths as protesters in Zhanaozen, Kazakhstan, clashed with police on the country's Independence Day.

Background

Under President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan has grown richer from oil revenues. The country also has earned itself a reputation for stability in Central Asia. The country's democratic record however is very poor. Widespread corruption, rigged elections, and violation of human rights are some of the most serious problems.

Zhanaozen

Oil workers from the Ozenmunaigas oil field had been protesting in the town's main square since July 2011 regarding unpaid danger money. In mid-December, some workers in the square began calling for the right to form independent political parties. On 16 December, there were clashes between protesters and police after police reportedly opened fire on unarmed protesters, but authorities claimed that "bandits" infiltrated the protesters and began the riots first. Eleven were killed, according to government officials, though opposition sources put the death toll in the dozens. The clashes were caused when the security services tried to remove the protesters from the square in preparation for independence celebrations. General Prosecutor Askhat Daulbayev claimed that "Civilians, who had gathered in the main square to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the country's independence, were attacked by a group of hooligans." The Kazakh opposition TV channel K-Plus showed the beginning of the unrest, as oil workers ran on the stage, tipped over the speakers and pushed around civilians before police arrived. In the disturbances which followed, local government offices, a hotel and an office of the state oil company were set on fire, according to General Prosecutor Askhat Daulbayev. Eighty-six people were injured in the clashes - according officials - and due to a shortage of hospital beds in Zhanaozen, many were taken to be treated in Aktau, around 150km away.

On 17 December, a 20-day state of emergency was declared; roads into Zhanaozen were blocked, and the local airport closed to incoming flights. Mobile phone coverage was blocked, as were internet connections.

Elsewhere

On the night of 16 December, police in Almaty took opposition activists protesting against the deaths in Zhanaozen into custody.

Workers on the Kalamkas and Karazhanbas oilfields went on strike in response to the events at Zhanaozen.

On 17 December, residents of the village of Shepte near Aktau blocked and damaged a railway line. The unrest has since spread to other cities and towns.