The government of Kazakhstan is cracking down on independent trade unions.

This has gone on now for several years, and this is not the first time we have written to ask you to join us in protesting this repression.

Erlan Baltabay (pictured) is the leader of the Industrial Trade Union of the Fuel and Energy workers, known as 'Decent Work'.

His trade union was dissolved by a decision of the court.

Criminal proceedings against Erlan began ten months ago.

On 17 July this year, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

He was also given a seven year ban on any public activity.

Erlan's only crime was to engage in trade union activity -- and to speak out in defense of other jailed trade union leaders.

Enough of this.

Please join us in sending a strong message of protest to the government of Kazakhstan.

Please click here: http://www.labourstart.org/go/erlan

And please share this message with your friends, family and fellow trade unionists.