Kazakhstan: Shanyrak shanty town in revolt

ON 14 July, police attacked shanty town dwellers in the Shanyrak area of Alma-Ata city, in Kazakhstan. Residents bravely fought back and scores were injured.

The Alma-Ata City authorities want to destroy the homes of settlers who built living quarters on the outskirts of the city. The authorities want to build 'entertainment complexes' and elite flats for Kazakhstan's 'new rich' on the land.

The latest police operation follows similar action against Shanyrak residents in April. Then, and again last week, local residents courageously resisted the police for hours. Socialist Resistance (CWI) supporters supported the residents.

The Shanyrak residents need international support. Please send protests to the Mayor of Alma-Ata, demanding:

All attempts to evict the residents are immediately stopped.
An end to the repression of all activists.
Resources to be allocated to build decent homes for Shanyrak residents and all shanty town dwellers.

Email protests, via the Akim's (Mayor's) website: www.almaty.kz (email: mayor@almaty.kz.)

Please send copies to: socialism-rk@mail.ru.

And: ainur1917@yandex.ru. (They will be translated into Kazhak, and distributed to the Shanyrak residents)

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