The Emergency Meeting of the Security Council chaired by the President of Kazakhstan, was held at Akorda residence to address a number of pressing national security issues. Opening the meeting, Security Council Chairman Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights a priority.
Prosecutor General Gizat Nurdauletov reported on the investigation into the events of “Tragic January”. Currently, 3024 criminal cases are being investigated, he said. An inter-agency investigative team headed by special prosecutors is handling 177 cases of mass riots and terrorism.
According to the prosecution agencies, a total of 779 people are in custody. Among those detained are 24 members of an organised crime group, 113 of the detainees have a criminal record for murder, theft, looting and robbery. After reviewing their personalities, health condition and other materials, 109 citizens had their arrests commuted to travel restriction order and personal guarantee. Prosecutors released another 103 people, referring to the lack of evidence of their involvement in the unrest. Every report of torture of detainees is being thoroughly checked. Prosecutors are in contact with lawyers, human rights defenders and the Commissioner for Human Rights. They are granted access to pre-trial detention centres, temporary detention centres and special reception centres to check detention conditions. The Prosecutor’s Office received a total of 305 complaints from detainees. No violations were found to have taken place in 62 of the complaints. Criminal investigations of torture and abuse of power have been opened in 170 cases.
“We will thoroughly investigate each case and prosecute only if there is indisputable evidence," the Prosecutor General assured.
The Chairman of the National Security Committee, the Minister of Interior Affairs, the Minister of Defence and the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs also made reports.
Following the meeting, the Head of State instructed the state agencies to thoroughly and objectively investigate the January events, protect the rights of the detained citizens, and inform the public about the progress of the investigation in a timely manner.