Akzhanat Aminov

He is one of the leaders of the striking workers in Zhanaozen. On the 20th of February, 2012, he was arrested and accused of fomenting social hatred.

The trial of his case began on the 16th of August, 2012, in the Mangistau Regional Court in Aktau. He was charged with 'inciting social hatred', 'calling for the overthrow of the constitutional order' and the 'creation and management of an organised group with the intent to commit one or more offences, as well as participation in such a group'.

Aminov pleaded guilty. His testimony is fully consistent with the version presented by the prosecutor. According to the testimony of the accused, criminal activity consisted of the distribution of independent press, organisation of meetings with the media and civil activist figures (including foreigners), as well as giving interviews to the independent media. 

The government used his testimony against the opposition leader, Vladimir Kozlov, and exiled Mukhtar Ablyazov.    On the 8th of October, 2012, he received a suspended sentence of 5 years in prison and was subsequently released.