Former Warden Goes On Trial In Zhanaozen Riot Case

AQTAU, Kazakhstan -- A former detention center warden in Kazakhstan’s western town of Zhanaozen has gone on trial for allegedly abusing his authority in connection with a man's death.

Zhenisbek Temirov, whose trial began on April 25 in Aqtau, is charged with illegally holding a man in custody and failing to ensure his timely hospitalization.

Bazarbai Kenzhebaev, 50, was detained during a crackdown on an oil workers' strike in Zhanaozen in mid-December that ended in deadly riots.

He reportedly died from injuries sustained while in custody.

At least 16 people were shot dead in the Zhanaozen unrest.

Five policemen are to go on trial on April 27 on charges of abuse of authority during the riots.

Separately, trials are already under way against 49 civilians accused of inciting the unrest in Zhanaozen and nearby Shetpe.