37 people stand trial on Zhanaozen clashes

37 accused, over 100 victims and 45 witnesses are taking part in the trial on Zhanaozen events, Tengrinews.kz reports citing an official representative of the Supreme Court Oksana Peters. She said that the trial over participants of Zhanaozen events started on March 27 at 10:00 a.m. in Aktau. "The sitting is held in Arman center that is large enough to seat all the participants of the trial: 37 accused, over 100 victims and 45 witnesses. 6 state prosecutors and 12 defenders will take part in the criminal trial. Publicity and transparency of the trial and objectiveness of proceedings will be ensured by additional seats for observers, families of the victims and defendants, representatives of human rights and other organizations," Peters said. The criminal case was initiated against 37 people. They are charged with organizing and instigating the clashes accompanied by violence, massacres, fires, destruction, property damage, violence towards authorities, stealing and robbery. 30 of them have been placed under arrested and 7 signed a recognizance not to leave. The victims are represented by individuals who suffered various injuries, as well as owners of burnt cars, restaurants, shops and offices.