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Ambulance Called For Hunger-Striking Oil Worker In Restive Kazakh Town


Fifteen oil workers have been on a hunger strike for weeks to demand jobs.
Fifteen oil workers have been on a hunger strike for weeks to demand jobs.

An ambulance has been called to a protest of hunger-striking oil workers in the restive western Kazakh town of Zhanaozen. Activist Zhadyra Doskeeva told RFE/RL on May 4 that emergency services were called overnight after one hunger striker's health worsened drastically. Fifteen oil workers have been on a hunger strike for weeks to demand jobs. Dozens of men from Zhanaozen have rallied in Astana, the capital, making similar demands. In January 2022, protests over fuel-price hikes in Zhanaozen led to nationwide anti-government protests that turned into violent mass unrest, leaving at least 238 people dead. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, click here.

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