I am touched by your attention and concern. In my books I often criticise the West’s liberalism for its double-standards: human right defenders attack the dictator’s (Nazarbayev’s) regime in Kazakhstan, whilst at the same time officials share hugs with the same dictator standing on a red carpet.
If there was no policy of double standards, democracy and social justice would be the winners in Kazakhstan (and in neighboring countries). We are sacrificing our lives and liberty to achieve this victory.
I hope there are persons in the West who are not drunk on Kazakh oil and gas, and for whom the principles of freedom and progress are more important than short-term economic profits.
I send you my response in the form of a poem. The philosopher said: “In one’s soul there is a miniature portrait of his nation.” The portrait of my people is in my poems. Your great classic, Goethe, said: “Only those who struggle for them deserve happiness and freedom!”
I hope we are worthy of freedom, democracy and progress. I ask you to accept my poem – written especially for you – as a sign of great respect to your great nation and civilization.
Yours,
Aron Atabek (Edigeev).
17.09.2013,
City of Arkalyk Prison,
Life Sentence Prisoner Section
17.09.2013
The city of Arkalyk, “krytka”, LSP
УЧ УК 161/12