Translation of Sorge’s post

Late at night of July 26, Yevgeniy Zhovtis, director of the major human rights organization in Kazakhstan – International Bureau for Human Rights, ran into a pedestrian Kanat Moldabayev, the resident of Akdala village, who died at the scene of the accident. The investigation was initiated, and it seems to be raising more questions, than giving answers.

Inconsistency of the facts and protracted investigative actions demonstrate that the authorities are uncertain concerning the procedural resolution. Apparently, the authorities will not miss the chance to conditionally sentence the leading human rights activist to restrict his freedom of movement and travelling abroad. There is a number of discrepancies in the investigation. Usually, the blood is sent for alcohol test within the shortest time after the road accident. However, the results of Moldabayev’s blood, stating that no alcohol was found in it, have been disclosed by the Ministry of Interior only two weeks after the accident. Though, according to the testimonials of the people questioned on July 26, including the relatives and neighbors of Kanat Moldabayev, on that fatal day he was drunk.

As for the details how the victim appeared on the highway, the information varies – it is not clear whether he was thrown out to driveway (possibly during fighting), or was just crossing the road. In fact, the policemen determined that Zhovtis’ car moved in a sufficient distance form the roadside and did not exceed the allowed speed. It is unknown, if the investigation would take all circumstances of the accident into objective consideration, when the results of the expertise already appear to be doubtful.

Notwithstanding the fact that the relatives of the casualty do not have any claims to Yevgeniy Zhovtis, and the human rights defender himself has many times offered them his help, some mass-media reported that allegedly Moldabayev has had relatives working in local administration, which could have exerted certain influence on the public activist.

The lately reported information that KNB (National Security Committee) has taken Zhovtis’ case under its control indicates that somebody is, apparently, interested in adding some political overtone to it. However, KNB has refuted such reports and denied any attempts to influence on the investigation, referring to the fact that the investigation is strictly under the competence of MIA.

Anyway, law enforcement and security agencies will have to take into account that public attention is focused on this case and make sure that their actions are unbiased.