The Renew Europe Group in the European Parliament is deeply concerned about the situation in Kazakhstan, following deadly clashes between protesters and security forces in the last week. The Group calls on all actors involved to refrain from actions that could lead to further escalation of violence.

Renew Europe believes that dialogue must be the only way to solve this crisis peacefully, and with respect for fundamental rights and freedoms.

Klemen Grošelj MEP (Lista Marjana Šarca, SI), European Parliament Standing Rapporteur on Kazakhstan, said:

"Renew Europe calls on the Kazakh authorities to respect the right to peaceful protest and encourages all parties concerned to act with responsibility and ensure a swift return to order. Kazakhstan is an important partner of the EU and should uphold its international commitments to guarantee the fundamental rights of its citizens, including freedom of assembly and freedom of expression. The European Parliament is closely following developments in Kazakhstan and expects protests to remain non-violent and avoid incitement of violence."

Róża Thun und Hohenstein MEP (Polska 2050, PL), member of the European Parliament Delegation for relations with Central Asian countries, added:

"I have been urging for personal sanctions against certain leaders of the regime in Kazakhstan for a long time. The EU signed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, but the European External Action Service has failed to consistently require respect for basic human rights, the release of political prisoners and stopping torture in prisons, as well as the introduction of democratic practices and social dialogue. Now, the EU must do its utmost to stop the bloodshed in the country and protect those who struggle for freedom and democracy there."

🛑Stop the violence in Kazakhstan!🛑

Dialogue must be the only way to solve this crisis peacefully, with respect of fundamental rights and freedom.

📰Read more about Renew Europe's position on the situation in Kazakhstan: https://t.co/bz7KIAoarM

📷REUTERS/Pavel Mikheyev pic.twitter.com/hVO1Pvm5Jo

— Renew Europe (@RenewEurope) January 6, 2022