His trial and sentence in 2009 was heavily disputed, and demonstrated a lack of respect for the rule of law by the Kazakshtani authorities. An early release would have helped to improve the standing of Kazakhstan in the aftermath of promises made in connection with the OSCE chairmanship in 2010. The NHC encourages the authorities of Kazakhstan to release Evgeniy Zhovtis in accordance with his well-founded appeal, and to respect their international human rights commitments, most recently reiterated in the Commemorative Astana Declaration at the OSCE Summit in December 2010.
NHC disappointed with second rejection of early release for Zhovtis
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee is very disappointed that the human rights activist and laureate of the Sakharov Freedom Award Evgeniy Zhovtis on 2 August again was rejected in his appeal for early release.