Aron Atabek is a dissident poet and writer in Kazhakstan. He was jailed for 18 years after being convicted in 2007 of orchestrating a mass protest against the demolition of a workers’ shanty-town, Shanirak, a charge he vehemently denies.
He rejected an offer by the government of a pardon if he admitted his guilt, and continues to vehemently proclaim his innocence.
‘Nazarbayev’s Regime and Revolution’ is a collection of Atabek’s prose and poetry published online since his imprisonment. His works are highly critical of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of Kazakhstan, and his policies, lamenting the lack of democracy in this former Soviet nation.
Atabek is a former recipient of the Imprisoned Prize, an honour which has also been awarded to Burmese comedian Zarganar and Burmese poet/performance artist Saw Wei.
ARON ATABEK
Imprisoned Prize – Winner 2010
CELLORHYTMICS, a benefit event for Kazhakstan miners on October 2 at 7pm, takes place at Baptist Bloomsbury
…and continues to vehemently deny his innocence…
He proclaims his innocence or denies his guilt.
Comment by Bruce on 25 September, 2012 at 12:59 pmThanks Bruce.
Comment by Editor on 26 September, 2012 at 2:37 pm