Obituary: Andrei Klimentov

Courageous socialist activist, campaigning journalist and human rights activist

COMRADE ANDREI KLIMENTOV died from a heart attack on 20 January 2009, at the young age of 35. Andrei was a talented journalist, who for many years worked as a human rights activist in the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights, and a leader of Socialist Resistance (CWI, Kazakhstan) in the Aktubinsk area.

Andrei was always one of those people who could not remain indifferent to injustice; this was always reflected in his work and private life. His outspoken articles often led him into law courts.

He was recently appointed to head the Aktubinsk Times and before that he was a renowned contributor to papers such as the national Republic, Free speech and Vremya. Andrei also wrote for websites and was a reporter on the radio station Azattyk.

For his outspokenness, Andrei was attacked by his opponents. In 2004, he was brutally beaten by unknown assailants and last year he was again beaten with severe consequences.

From his youth, Andrei participated in social and political activities. He started in a group close to anarchism and was a founding member of the famous 'Punk-club' at the start of the 1990s. He then became a follower of the rock musician Yerman Anti.

In 2006, Andrei joined Socialist Resistance (CWI, Kazakhstan) and established its Aktubinsk branch, which immediately began to gain a following amongst youth in the city. He organised a number of successful political events and political rock concerts.

Like any artistically-minded person, Andrei took events in our country close to heart. Unfortunately, he also suffered heart problems from an early age. Nevertheless, as well as his youthful kindheartedness and genuine openness, Andrei also had a great sense of humour.

Knowing his love of practical jokes, Andrei's friends did not initially believe he had passed away - and no doubt they did not want to believe the tragic news.

Andrei leaves his wife, Olga, who is a representative of the Human Rights Bureau in Aktubinsk and a small son, Ivan.

Andrei died in bed, in his sleep, when his heart stopped. Socialist Resistance Kazakhstan mourns the unbearable loss of our comrade. We will not forget him.