During the January 2022 events, known as Bloody January or “Qandy Qantar” in Kazakh, the General Prosecutor’s Office of Kazakhstan announced the detention of Berik Abilbekov, the former deputy head of the Almaty Police Department, on May 28.
The office disclosed little information, mentioning only that Abilbekov was detained in relation to a criminal case involving torture against citizens in January 2022 at a detention center in the village of Koshmambet, Karasai district, Almaty region.
Orda.kz reported that Abilbekov’s detention is specifically connected to the case of Kyrgyz jazz musician Vikram Ruzakhunov.
Ruzakhunov’s experience in January 2022 highlighted the Kazakh authorities’ disregard for human rights and due process in the aftermath of violent protests. With the country’s law enforcement bodies responding to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s rhetoric, arrests were made.
Ruzakhunov was released and returned to Kyrgyzstan, where he revealed the ordeal he underwent and its impact on him.
Despite ongoing efforts for justice, progress has been slow due to the system protecting those involved. However, in April 2024, progress was made as four police officers were arrested in a case involving Ruzakhunov and 21 other victims.
The case of Abilbekov this week indicates a step towards accountability, though the ultimate realization of justice remains uncertain.
Official records show 238 casualties and numerous detentions during the January 2022 events, figures that have been questioned by activists and journalists.