Altynai Sydykova

Senior student of the International and Comparative Politics Department at the American University of Central Asia

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Latest posts by Altynai Sydykova

Kazakhstan: Trial of Opposition Leaders Draws Pussy Riot Comparisons

  22 August 2012

“A Pussy Riot of our own” is how Kazakhstani netizens are referring to the judicial drama involving three opposition leaders accused of active participation in the Zhanaozen oil-strike that turned violent in December 2011. The trials of Vladimir Kozlov, Aizhanat Aminov and Serik Sapargaly started on August 16, and are expected to end within the next two weeks. Kazakh netizens do not believe that the three defendants will get a fair trial.

Kazakhstan: Unusual Campaign Uses Sheep to Advertise Road Safety

The authorities in Almaty have launched a campaign aimed at educating pedestrians about the importance of following rules when crossing the street. The campaign includes posters and billboards with a stinging message: "People follow rules when crossing the road. Sheep [cross the road] wherever they wish". Netizens respond to the initiative.