Kazakh Police Facing Demands for 61 Million Tenge from Vikram Ruzahunov
Kyrgyz Jazz Musician Seeks Compensation from Kazakhstan Police for Torture
Kyrgyz jazz musician Vikram Ruzahunov is demanding 61 million tenge in compensation from Kazakhstan’s police for torture that occurred during the January 2022 events in the country. The musician, who hails from the Kyrgyz Republic, was reportedly tortured in a special detention center during the events in Kazakhstan, leading him to file a lawsuit against the police officers involved.
The case was brought before the Karasai District Court of Almaty region, where Ruzahunov sought material and moral compensation totaling 61 million tenge. He is specifically targeting six former police officers who are currently on trial for their role in the torture during the events in Kantar.
In a video that surfaced on January 9, 2022, Ruzahunov can be seen claiming that he was enticed to Kazakhstan to participate in a rally in Almaty, with promises of monetary compensation. However, upon his arrival, he was subjected to harsh detention practices that left him with bruises and scratches.
Following appeals from activists and journalists in Kyrgyzstan, Ruzahunov was eventually released and returned to his homeland after crossing the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border on January 10. He has since spoken out about the false nature of the evidence presented against him and the mistreatment he endured.
Aside from Ruzahunov, there are 22 other victims who survived torture after being detained during the January 2022 events in Almaty. The incident has led to criminal cases being initiated against the police officers involved in the detention and ill-treatment of Kyrgyzstanis Cholponbek Sydykov and Vikram Ruzakhunov.
In a significant development, four police officers have been detained as part of the criminal case related to the torture of Vikram Ruzahunov. The pursuit of justice continues as the victims seek accountability and compensation for the wrongful treatment they experienced.
