A trans-Atlantic security and democracy body has expressed dismay about a Kazakh court's ruling against a prominent rights activist.The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is criticizing the provincial court that upheld a manslaughter conviction against Yevgeny Zhovtis.
Zhovtis was tried for a road accident in which a pedestrian was killed. Supporters say he is a victim of government persecution.
The OSCE's rights division director, Janise Lenarcic, said Wednesday that the court failed to address procedural violations during the initial trial.
The criticism is embarrassing to Kazakhstan as it prepares to assume chairmanship of the organization next year. Critics say its government does not meet standards on rights and democracy.
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