Atbasar Prison Torture Trial Ends in Acquittal

A jury in Kazakhstan's Aqmola region has acquitted 12 former prison employees who were charged with torture at the Atbasar correctional facility, Orda reports.

The defendants faced charges under Article 146 of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code for "cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and torture."

The trial, which began in July 2024, was conducted openly with a jury.

Three of the 12 defendants were held in custody, while the others were released on bail.

The case involved 41 recognized victims, including public activist Timur Danebayev.

During the hearings, Danebayev provided detailed testimony about his experience.

He described being beaten unconscious, forced to clean restroom floors, and subjected to degrading treatment, including having his head forced into a toilet as punishment for refusal.

He reported at least 20 instances of abuse.

The case gained public attention in September 2023 when videos showing inmates being beaten, including footage of Danebayev, circulated on social media.

The Penal Enforcement System Committee (KUIS) subsequently announced the dismissal of 11 prison employees connected to the incidents.

Original Post