Zhanaozen
Janaozen / Zhanaozen
Жаңаөзен | |
|---|---|
| Country | Kazakhstan |
| Province | Mangystau Province |
| Elevation | 561 ft (171 m) |
| Population (2009)[1] | |
| • Total | 91,332 |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (+5) |
Janaozen or Zhanaozen (Kazakh: Жаңаөзен / Jañaözen), formerly known as Novy Uzen (Russian: Новый Узень, until 1992), is a town in the Mangystau Province of Kazakhstan located south-east of the city of Aktau. The name of the town means "new river" in Kazakh. Zhanaozen is a town of Province significance.[2] It is completely surrounded by the territory of Karakiya District, but administratively does not belong to the district.[3] Population: 48,871 (2009 Census results);[1] 91,332 (1999 Census results).[1]
History
The town was founded in 1968 to serve the gas plant and oil and gas extraction.[2]
2011 oil strike
In May 2011, workers from the Ozenmunaigas oil field went on strike over pay. The strike was declared illegal by local courts and the state oil company sacked nearly 1000 employees.[4] Some of the sacked workers then occupied the town square in protest. On 16 December 2011 police were accused of firing on them.[5] Fifteen people (workers and police officers) were killed according to government officials, though opposition sources put the death toll in the dozens.[6] In disturbances that day local government offices, a hotel and an office of the state oil company were set on fire, according to General Prosecutor Askhat Daulbayev.[5] Eighty-six people were injured in the clashes – according to the authorities – and due to shortage of hospital beds in Zhanaozen, many were taken to be treated in the regional capital Aktau, about 150 km away.[6]
On 17 December, a state of emergency was declared, roads into Zhanaozen were blocked, and the local airport was closed for incoming flights. Mobile phone coverage was blocked, as were internet connections.[6]
Trials and allegations of torture and abuse
A trial of protesters began in Aktau in May 2012. Many defendants complained that they had been physically abused, and some even tortured, while in police custody and during interrogation.[4] Some witnesses also claimed they had been threatened by police into giving false testimony.[4]
Two further trials of security officials are taking place.
In the media
Popular Kazakh singer Bavyrjan released a song which openly criticised president Nazarbayev for not listening to the complaints of Zhanaozen's demonstrating workers. The song was banned by the government.[4]
Location and geography
Zhanaozen is located in the desert on Mangyshlak Peninsula.
Economy
The economy of Zhanaozen is mostly based on oil and gas extraction.
Famous residents
See also
References
- ^ a b c "Население Республики Казахстан" [Population of the Republic of Kazakhstan] (in Russian). Департамент социальной и демографической статистики. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
- ^ a b "Жанаозен" (in Russian). Nur.kz. Retrieved 17 December 2011.
- ^ "Об итогах рейтинга городов и районов Мангистауской области по динамике социально-экономического развития за 3 квартал 2011 года". Огни Мангистау (in Russian). Aktau. 15 November 2011. Retrieved 17 December 2011.
- ^ a b c d "Abuse claims swamp Kazakh oil riot trial". BBC. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
- ^ a b Kazakh oil strike: 10 dead in Zhanaozen clashes, BBC, retrieved 16/12/2011
- ^ a b c Kazakhstan curfew on oil town Zhanaozen after fatal clashes, BBC, retrieved 17/12/2011
External links
Capital: Aktau | ||
| Districts |  | |
| Major cities | ||