British pop star Sting cancelled a concert he was due to give in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana yesterday, blaming violations of the human rights of striking oil workers in the ex-Soviet state.

Sting said in a statement published on his website that he cancelled the concert, part of his Symphonicity world tour, after campaign group Amnesty International told him of repressions against oil and gas workers.

“Hunger strikes, imprisoned workers and tens of thousands on strike represents a virtual picket line which I have no intention of crossing,” Sting was quoted as saying in the statement late on Sunday.

Sting was due to perform songs from his days as leader of band The Police as well as his solo hits with a symphony orchestra backing as part of city day celebrations, with tickets selling for up to 100,00 tenge ($690).

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