Developments in Politically Motivated PERSECUTION in Kazakhstan Monitoring Report 1-30 APRIL 2026

APR. 1, 2026 — ALMATY — The Almaty Administrative Court ordered the administrative detention of Mr Adiletkhan Moldakhan, a legal practitioner, for a period of ten days. The custodial sentence was passed pursuant to article 456-2 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which provides for sanctions against the dissemination of false information or the publication of illicit content. The proceedings against Mr Moldakhan appear to be predicated upon public statements he made regarding a fatal road traffic collision on Al-Farabi Avenue. The incident in question, which resulted in three fatalities, has attracted significant public interest and remains the subject of ongoing scrutiny. In an official communiqué, the Almaty City Police Department confirmed that a pre-trial investigation has been initiated. The statutory basis for this investigation concerns the alleged dissemination of “knowingly false information.” ^[1]

APR. 1, 2026 — ALMATY — Human rights organisations have been formally approached by the kinsfolk of several activists associated with the Atajurt movement. Representations made to these bodies suggest a growing concern regarding the protracted nature of the judicial proceedings and the welfare of those currently in state custody. It is reported that nineteen individuals have been held in remand for a period approaching six months. The detainees face prosecution under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which concerns the «incitement of social, national, or religious discord.» Witnesses, including Ms Dina Nurdybai of the Atajurt movement, have highlighted the significant socio-economic impact of these detentions. It is submitted that a substantial number of those in pre-trial detention served as the primary, and in many cases sole, breadwinners for their respective households. ^[2]

APR. 1, 2026 — ASTANA — Ms Botagoz Omarova is currently subject to a house arrest order, a restrictive measure that significantly curtails her liberty pending trial. The journalist stands charged under Article 274(2) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This provision concerns the alleged dissemination of information known to be false, purportedly carrying a risk of disturbing public order. An application for leave to appeal against this preventive measure was heard by the appellate chamber. During the course of the hearing, a substantial submission was made in support of Ms Omarova’s release. Eleven prominent public figures, comprising Members of Parliament and recognised human rights defenders, formally offered personal sureties to the court. Such undertakings were intended to guarantee Ms Omarova’s compliance with judicial processes, thereby obviating the necessity for continued house arrest. Notwithstanding these representations and the high standing of the proposed sureties, the court dismissed the appeal, electing to maintain the existing custodial restrictions. ^[3]

APR. 1, 2026 — AKTOBE — The appellate court has upheld the decision to refuse the applications of two Ukrainian nationals, Yelena and Maksim Adamenko, for recognition as refugees. The appellants had sought a declaration that the initial refusal by the competent authorities was unlawful and procedurally flawed. In dismissing the appeal, the court found that the appellants had failed to discharge the burden of proof required to establish a well-founded fear of persecution. Specifically, the court noted the absence of compelling evidence to suggest that the applicants had been targeted for individualised persecution, a requisite criterion under the prevailing statutory framework. The judgment reaffirmed a settled principle of asylum law that a generalised state of instability or the existence of armed conflict within a country of origin does not, prima facie, satisfy the requirements for refugee status. The court held that such conditions, while regrettable, do not alleviate the necessity for an applicant to demonstrate a specific, personal risk of harm. ^[4]

APR. 1, 2026 — ALMATY — Judicial proceedings have been concluded in the matter of Imam Akhmet Kurbanali, who was found to be in breach of Article 490 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan concerning violation of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on religious activities and religious associations. The court imposed a significant administrative fine following a publicised statement in which the Imam claimed to have «gifted a second wife» to a former student. Ms Zhanar Baisemiz, a journalist who conducted the interview and subsequently published the footage on the YouTube platform, was also found liable for an administrative offence and subjected to a pecuniary penalty. In an official statement, the municipal police authorities asserted that the content of the interview was in direct contravention of the statutory requirements of the Republic. It was submitted that the remarks undermined public order and interfaith harmony, and were deemed prejudicial to the collective moral consciousness of the state. ^[5]

APR. 1, 2026 — ASTANA — Ms Gulmira Birzhanova, a legal practitioner specialising in media law, submitted that the practice of independent journalism in the jurisdiction has become fraught with systemic risk, noting that «professional success no longer carries merely the threat of a pecuniary penalty, but entails far more severe consequences.» Of particular concern is the reported increase in the use of pre-trial restrictions, including house arrest, as a means of isolating journalists. It is submitted that these measures are being deployed with greater frequency, creating a tangible climate of insecurity for those operating in the media sector. Ms Birzhanova further highlighted a concerning procedural trend regarding the standing of individuals within the criminal justice system. She observed that the status of “witness with the right to a defence” — a unique intermediate designation in the Kazakhstani legal system — is increasingly precarious. This status, she contends, serves as a frequent precursor to formal indictment, whereby an individual may be reclassified as a suspect at the discretion of the investigative authorities. ^[6]

APR. 1, 2026 — ASTANA — A formal representation has been made by Mr Yermurat Bapi MP to the Prosecutor General, Mr Berik Assylov, and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims. The submission concerns the activities of «pseudo-religious authorities» who are alleged to be exploiting the digital sphere to influence and manipulate public opinion. Central to this inquiry is the conduct of Mr Kurbanali Akhmet, an individual to whom various titles, including «Sufi Sheikh» and «Caliph of the Turkistan Region,» have been ascribed. Mr Bapi expressed concern that such figures operate under the guise of religious authority within a «sensitive and delicate sphere,» potentially undermining social cohesion through unregulated online dissemination. The Member of Parliament’s intervention calls for a formal assessment of whether the actions of these individuals constitute an illicit interference with public consciousness or a contravention of existing statutes governing religious expression and public order. ^[7]

APR. 2, 2026 — ALMATY — The Instagram account associated with Radio Azattyk, the Kazakh service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), has been reinstated following a period of suspension. The platform’s parent company has reportedly issued a formal apology to the outlet, characterising the restriction as an administrative error. The suspension, which commenced on 25 March, resulted in a total cessation of the outlet’s ability to disseminate content via the platform for a duration of seven days. The service provider has since rescinded the block, acknowledging that the enforcement action was erroneously applied. ^[8]

APR. 2, 2026 — KYZYLORDA — Reports indicate that since December 2024, Mr Duman Mukhammedkarim, a journalist currently serving a seven-year custodial sentence at Detention Facility No. 60, has been held in solitary confinement, a measure that continues to the present day. Over the preceding eighteen months, the prisoner has engaged in seven separate hunger strikes as a form of protest, amounting to a cumulative total of 110 days. These protracted periods of refusal of sustenance have had a deleterious effect on his physical health; it is reported that his body weight has declined precipitously to 55 kilograms, raising urgent concerns regarding his medical welfare. Mr Mukhammedkarim was convicted pursuant to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, specifically under Article 258 (financing of extremist or terrorist activities) and Article 405 (organisation of, and participation in, the activities of a proscribed public or religious association). ^[9]

APR. 2, 2026 — ASTANA — The court ordered an extension of Mr Yermek Narymbay’s remand in custody, directed to remain in effect until 3 May 2026. Mr Narymbay is currently held at Detention Facility No. 64, serving a two-month term of custodial detention pursuant to Article 430(1) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The statutory basis for the current proceedings concerns the alleged non-compliance with a judicial act which has attained legal force. ^[10]

APR. 2, 2026 — KOKSHETAU — An appellate hearing was convened to determine the eligibility for conditional early release (parole) of Mr Aidar Syzdykov. Mr Syzdykov is currently serving a five-year custodial sentence following a conviction under Article 297(2) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which pertains to the illicit trafficking of narcotic substances. The appellate court dismissed the application, thereby upholding the decision of the lower court to deny early release. According to a statement provided by the applicant’s spouse, Ms Aigul Tokpayeva, the court cited procedural non-compliance as the basis for its refusal. Specifically, it was noted that Mr Syzdykov lacked the requisite formal commendations from the prison administration and had failed to attain the «second or third» classification level (behavioural category) required under domestic sentencing guidelines to qualify for such relief. Mr Syzdykov remains incarcerated at Detention Facility No. 65, where he continues to serve the remainder of his five-year term. ^[11]

APR. 2, 2026 — ALMATY — In a briefing delivered on the margins of the Senate, the Deputy Prosecutor General, Mr Yerlan Utegenov, confirmed that Mr Sanzhar Bokayev is currently the subject of a criminal investigation. The Deputy Prosecutor General stated that the individual is suspected of «offences involving the misappropriation of funds on an especially large scale by means of fraud.» Mr Bokayev has been remanded in custody for a period of two months and is currently being held at a pre-trial detention facility under the jurisdiction of the National Security Committee (KNB). The formal charges preferred against Mr Bokayev are predicated upon two distinct provisions of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Article 190(4), pertaining to fraud alleged to have been committed on an «especially large scale”, and Article 340(3), concerning the unlawful felling, destruction, or damaging of trees and shrubs. ^[12]

APR. 2, 2026 — ASTANA — Mr Asset Abishev reported that the appellate court had upheld the first-instance judgment, thereby affirming the lawfulness of the Ministry of Justice’s refusal to grant the opposition movement “Alga, Kazakhstan” formal registration as a political party. A central point of contention in these proceedings concerns the alleged lack of procedural transparency regarding the grounds for refusal. Mr Abishev stated that despite formal requests for the Ministry to particularise the «deficiencies» in the registration dossier, the authorities have maintained that the burden remains exclusively upon the applicants to identify and rectify any purported non-compliance. It is further submitted that the founding membership list provided to the Ministry comprised 3,190 individuals. In an effort to satisfy the stringent verification requirements, approximately 1,700 of these signatories provided additional confirmation of their participation via video testimony. Notwithstanding this evidentiary submission, the Ministry’s decision to withhold registration remains undisturbed. ^[13]

APR. 2, 2026 — PAVLODAR Region — Mr Akylbek Temirgalinov, a civic activist based in Aksu, Maisky district, was found liable for an offence under Article 440-1(1) of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which concerns the consumption of alcoholic beverages or appearing in public places in a state of intoxication. Following his conviction, the court imposed a custodial sentence of ten days’ administrative detention. It is understood that the proceedings originated from an anonymous report submitted to the authorities, which alleged that Mr Temirgalinov was under the influence of illicit narcotics. Significant concerns have been raised regarding the evidentiary basis of the conviction. A formal medical examination report issued following the arrest concluded: «No evidence of cannabinoid use / no signs of intoxication detected.» Notwithstanding this clinical finding, the custodial sentence remained in effect and was duly served. ^[14]

APR. 2, 2026 — ASTANA — Court of Cassation has quashed the previous convictions of Mr Nikolai Ginyatov, who had been found liable for an administrative offence under Article 73-3(3) of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This provision pertains to the dissemination of libellous information, and the courts of first and second instance had consequently imposed a pecuniary penalty totalling 786,400 tenges. The appellate chamber’s determination effectively set aside the findings of the Auliekol District Court (dated 29 December 2025) and the Kostanay Regional Court (dated 28 January 2026). The underlying litigation concerned various publications authored by Mr Ginyatov regarding Ms Gulbaram Mussagazina, the former Deputy Akim (Deputy Governor) of the Kostanay Region. Upon final review, the Court of Cassation held that the respondent’s publications did not meet the requisite legal threshold for defamation, concluding that no actionable libel of Ms Mussagazina had been established. ^[15]

APR. 3, 2026 — ALMATY — A further procedural hearing has been convened in the ongoing legal challenge brought by Radio Azattyk, the Kazakh service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The primary focus of this sitting was to explore the viability of an amicable settlement through formal mediation. The core of the dispute concerns the Ministry’s repeated refusals to grant or renew formal accreditation to numerous journalists associated with the outlet. These administrative decisions have effectively impeded the ability of the affected practitioners to carry out their professional duties within the jurisdiction. ^[16]

APR. 6, 2026 — KOSTANAY — Mr Mirshat Sarsenbayev, a prominent blogger, was sentenced to a custodial term of seven years and six months. Mr Sarsenbayev was convicted pursuant to Article 194(4) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a provision concerning extortion committed on an especially large scale. The prosecution’s case was predicated upon allegations that Mr Sarsenbayev utilised his digital platform to document purported breaches of sanitary and hygiene regulations at the “Poultry Agro” LLP facility. It was further alleged that the defendant sought a pecuniary settlement of 15 million tenge from the company’s director, Mr Kairat Maishev, in exchange for an undertaking to suppress the publication of the investigative material. Throughout the proceedings, Mr Sarsenbayev has strenuously refuted the allegations of extortion. ^[17]

APR. 6, 2026 — ALMATY — Reports indicate a protracted failure to remunerate a cohort of municipal workers, with salary arrears having accrued over a five-month period. Evidence provided by Mr Valentin Gaidak, on behalf of the affected workforce, indicates that the labour in question involved the construction and maintenance of essential water supply and sewerage infrastructure. This work was purportedly undertaken under the auspices of the principal contractor, “Almatyinzhstroy”. In response to these allegations, Almatyinzhstroy has denied direct liability, contending that the obligation to settle outstanding wages rests solely with a sub-contractor. Such a denial of responsibility by a prime contractor for the conduct of its supply chain is a matter of significant concern, particularly where it involves the delivery of public works. Consequently, the aggrieved employees have signaled their intent to seek formal redress. This includes the filing of a statutory complaint with the Labour Inspectorate and the concurrent initiation of civil litigation to recover the withheld earnings. ^[18]

APR. 6, 2026 — NEW YORK — Human Rights Watch has called for the immediate discontinuation of criminal proceedings against Ms Zhanar Sekerbayeva, a prominent Feminità activist, on the grounds that the charges lack any legal merit. Ms Sekerbayeva stands indicted under Article 109-1(1) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The statutory basis for the charge concerns «beatings or other violent acts» that result in physical pain but do not meet the threshold of «minor bodily harm.» In an official communiqué, Ms Mihra Rittmann, a HRW senior advisor for Central Asia, urged the Kazakhstani authorities to «withdraw the charges against Ms Sekerbayeva and discontinue the fabricated case against her.” ^[19]

APR. 7, 2026 — ASTANA — In the ongoing criminal proceedings against Ms Zhanar Sekerbayeva, a prominent activist associated with the Feminità movement, the presiding judge has issued a restrictive order regarding the use of recording equipment. The court has prohibited the filming of the complainant, Ms Ziuar Zhumanova, upon whose formal allegation the current investigation was initiated. In support of her application for anonymity or restricted reporting, Ms Zhumanova submitted that the public dissemination of her image and testimony «may lead to the disclosure of information concerning her private life» and sought to mitigate the risk of a «hostile public reaction.» The court, in balancing the principle of open justice against the right to privacy, elected to grant the requested protections to the complainant. As previously noted, Ms Sekerbayeva stands charged under Article 109-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The indictment concerns «beatings or other violent acts» which, while occasioning physical pain, are deemed not to have resulted in «minor bodily harm”. ^[20]

APR. 6, 2026 — ALMATY — Family members of activists associated with the Atajurt organisation convened a press conference at a private residence to raise urgent concerns regarding the treatment of those currently in state custody. The relatives alleged that the detainees are being subjected to extrajudicial pressure and intimidation by unidentified individuals acting under the apparent aegis of the state. Specific testimony was provided concerning the detention of Mr Bakytnur Nurmukan. It was reported that two unidentified persons gained access to Mr Nurmukan and insisted, under duress, that he affix his signature to a document, the contents and legal nature of which remain undisclosed. Corroborating accounts were provided by Ms Nazira Shaimurat, the mother of Mr Batylbek Baigazy. Ms Shaimurat testified that, two days prior to a scheduled judicial hearing, her son was visited by two unidentified individuals who reportedly compelled him by force to sign a document. ^[21]

APR. 7, 2026 — TURKISTAN Region — The court found Mr Bekbolat Samenov, a civic activist based in Karzhan village, liable under Article 73-3(2) of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a provision pertaining to slander (defamation). The court imposed a custodial sentence of 20 days’ administrative detention. The proceedings were initiated in response to a social media publication authored by the respondent on 23 December 2025. The post in question concerned Mr Kanat Nyshanov, the Regional Chief Sanitary Doctor, alleging that the official was the subject of an investigation into the suspected acceptance of a bribe. ^[22]

APR. 8, 2026 — ALMATY — Following the expiration of a ten-day term of administrative detention, Mr Adiletkhan Moldakhan, a legal practitioner and prominent social media commentator, will be remanded in custody for a further two months. This deprivation of liberty follows the initiation of criminal proceedings under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, pertaining to the dissemination of ‘knowingly false information.’ The indictment arises from a digital publication authored by Mr Moldakhan concerning a fatal road traffic collision on Al-Farabi Avenue, an incident which resulted in three fatalities. ^[23]

APR. 8, 2026 — ASTANA — The Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan is reportedly reviewing the potential decriminalisation of Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which pertains to the «dissemination of knowingly false information.» This development was confirmed by the First Vice-Minister, Kanat Iskakov, in a briefing delivered on the margins of the Mazhilis. The internal review follows a formal representation made by members of the Kazakhstani press to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The petitioners have urged the executive to repeal the criminal character of the provision, arguing that its current application poses a significant risk to journalistic independence and the broader principle of freedom of expression. ^[24]

APR. 8, 2026 — ASTANA — A formal complaint has been submitted to the Presidential Administration concerning the alleged torture and ill-treatment of Mr Amir Kassenov, the editor of the KazTAG news agency. Mr Kassenov is currently a person of interest in a criminal investigation initiated under Article 274(3) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which pertains to the «dissemination of knowingly false information.» According to representations made by his defence counsel, Ms Yuliya Malyukova, Mr Kassenov had previously sought redress through the prosecutorial authorities. However, these initial complaints were reportedly redirected to the specific state body whose conduct is the subject of the challenge. Consequently, the verification of these serious allegations is being conducted by the very institution against which the claims are directed. ^[25]

APR. 9, 2026 — AKTAU — Ms Aiaulym Sagyndykkyzy, the sister of Mr Adilet Sagyndykuly, alleged that, on 9 April 2026, an attempt was made by the judicial authorities to convene a summary hearing without prior notification to the defendant or his legal representatives. Mr Sagindykuly is currently in state custody following his arrest under Article 274(2) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The indictment concerns the «dissemination of knowingly false information.” ^[26]

APR. 9, 2026 — KARAGANDA — Mr Bekzat Suleimenov has been ordered to pay a pecuniary penalty (fine) of 216,500 tenges. The sanction was imposed pursuant to Article 489 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a provision governing the «participation in the activities of an unregistered public association.» The evidentiary basis for the citation was a publication authored by the respondent on the social media platform Facebook, which stated: «Mr Trump, pay attention to Kazakhstan!» The law enforcement authorities characterised this public appeal as an act of engagement with an unauthorised or unregistered organisation. ^[27]

APR. 10, 2026 — ASTANA — The findings of the Freedom of Speech Barometer, a comprehensive review detailing the status of journalistic and media rights within the Republic of Kazakhstan for the first quarter of 2026, indicate a concerning deterioration in the operating environment for independent media practitioners. The report documents a diverse range of restrictive measures and technical interference. Notable among these are systemic Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks targeting media outlets and the widespread arbitrary suspension of social media accounts. Furthermore, the report highlights the increasing use of administrative sanctions to penalise legitimate journalistic activity. Of particular concern is the imposition of pecuniary penalties (fines) for the conduct of editorial surveys and public opinion polling, a practice that constitutes an essential component of investigative and social journalism. ^[28]

APR. 10, 2026 — ALMATY — The Police Department has formally served an indictment on Mr Orazaly Yerzhanov pursuant to Article 150 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The specific charge concerns the «obstruction of the exercise of electoral rights or the work of electoral commissions.» It is understood that the legal representatives for the accused submitted a series of formal applications seeking the discontinuation of proceedings on the grounds of insufficient evidence and procedural irregularities. However, these representations were summarily dismissed or otherwise disregarded by the relevant authorities, and the matter is expected to proceed to trial. ^[29]

APR. 13, 2026 — TALDYKORGAN — A verdict has been delivered in the criminal proceedings against several members of the Atajurt movement. The defendants, comprising Bekzat Maksutkhan, Tursynbek Kabi, Yerkinbek Nurakyn, Yerbol Nurlybayev, Margulan Nurdangazy, Kuandyk Koszhanov, Bakytzhan Shugyl, Batylbek Baikazy, and Yergali Nurlybayev, were each sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. The convictions were secured under Article 174(1) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a provision concerning the “incitement of social, national, tribal, racial, class, or religious discord.” The court further imposed varying terms of restriction of liberty upon the remaining defendants in the matter. As an ancillary measure, the court ordered a three-year prohibition on engaging in socio-political activity against all defendants, effectively barring them from participating in civil society or public advocacy following the expiration of their primary sentences. ^[30]

APR. 13, 2026 — NEW YORK — A joint communiqué, coordinated by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has been addressed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The correspondence conveys grave concern regarding the recent escalation in the detention of media practitioners and the subsequent impact on the domestic press environment. The appeal specifically highlights the cases of Ms Gulnar Bazhkenova, Ms Botagoz Omarova, and Mr Amir Kassenov, all of whom have been indicted under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a provision concerning the «dissemination of knowingly false information.» Additionally, the representation cites the case of Mr Asset Matayev, who stands charged under Article 293(2) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the offence of hooliganism. All four individuals are currently subject to house arrest pending further judicial proceedings. ^[31]

APR. 14, 2026 — ALMATY — The Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (KIBHR), represented by its founder, Mr Yevgeniy Zhovtis, has been confirmed as a founding signatory to the Human Rights Compass, a multilateral initiative formally inaugurated in March 2025. This initiative has been convened as a strategic response to the contemporary erosion of normative legal standards and the escalating challenges to the global human rights framework observed across several jurisdictions. The Human Rights Compass seeks to provide a robust, evidence-based mechanism for the monitoring and protection of fundamental liberties in an increasingly volatile international landscape. ^[32]

APR. 14, 2026 — PAVLODAR — The Regional Court has summarily dismissed an appeal entered by Mr Yevgeniy Khabarov against a previous administrative determination dated 12 January 2026. The original decision, which has now been upheld, concerned the refusal of authorisation for a proposed public assembly. The purpose of the intended gathering was to advocate for a legislative return to a prior time zone. In its judgment, the court found that the statutory notification submitted by the claimant was fundamentally flawed. The bench held that the application contained internal contradictions, insofar as it purported to seek authorisation for two distinct legal categories under the relevant domestic legislation: namely, a «solitary picket» and a «peaceful assembly.” ^[33] ^[34].

APR. 14, 2026 — NEW YORK — The United Nations Human Rights Committee has issued its formal findings regarding the state’s response to the 2016 land reform protests. Following a substantive review of a communication submitted by activists Messrs Maks Bokaev and Talgat Ayan, the Committee concluded that the authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan had acted in breach of their international treaty obligations. ^[35]

APR. 14, 2026 — AKTAU — Mr Adilet Sagindykuly, a civic activist, was convicted pursuant to Article 274(2) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The court has imposed a custodial sentence of one and a half years’ imprisonment, to be served in a minimum-security settlement colony. The indictment for the «dissemination of knowingly false information» was predicated upon a series of communications published by the defendant via social media. The evidentiary basis for the prosecution included Mr Sagindykuly’s public expressions of support for the sovereignty of Ukraine and his advocacy for the Republic’s withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). Furthermore, the charges related to his commentary on the civil unrest of January 2022, specifically his allegations regarding the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters by state security forces. The prosecution also cited the defendant’s critical remarks concerning domestic economic grievances, including the rising cost of living and the imposition of vehicle recycling fees. ^[36]

APR. 14, 2026 — ASTANA — The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Sanzhar Adilov, has announced that the government intends to enact an amnesty bill prior to the prorogation of the current parliamentary session on 1 July. The proposed legislation represents a significant departure from established legal precedent within the Republic. In a move that is unprecedented in the jurisdiction’s history, the scope of the statutory amnesty is intended to encompass not only criminal convictions but also administrative offences. ^[37]

APR. 15, 2026 — KARAGANDA — A group of residents from the Baissanat-1 residential complex, including Mses Vera Logacheva and Rymtai Aitzhanova addressed a formal representation to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The petitioners are seeking executive intervention regarding a protracted failure of local infrastructure management. It is reported that the basement of the complex is subject to persistent aqueous accumulation. The residents have expressed grave concerns that the resultant damp and the structural integrity of the premises may be compromised, potentially leading to serious consequences if the matter is not urgently addressed. Although the issue is one that, in principle, falls within the purview of local municipal authorities, the residents contend that the grievance has remained unresolved for several years, notwithstanding repeated attempts to seek redress through the appropriate local channels. ^[38]

APR. 15, 2026 — BRUSSELS — The International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR), in conjunction with the Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (KIBHR), issued a formal expression of regret following the conviction of several activists associated with the Atajurt movement. The organisations have called upon the relevant authorities to initiate an expedited review of these cases to ensure that the exercise of fundamental liberties is protected from judicial overreach. In their joint representation, the signatories emphasise that peaceful civic advocacy and the promotion of human rights should not, under any circumstances, be subject to criminalisation. ^[39]

APR. 15, 2026 — ALMATY — Formal notice has been given regarding the proposed establishment of a new political entity, to be known as the Adilet party. The nascent organisation has articulated a platform centred upon the realisation of a «Fair and Just Kazakhstan,» with a primary emphasis on the structural strengthening of the Rule of Law and the substantive expansion of civic participation in the state’s decision-making processes. ^[40]

APR. 17, 2026 — NEW YORK — The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Ms Mary Lawlor, has issued a formal expression of grave concern regarding the custodial sentences imposed upon activists affiliated with the Atajurt movement. In an official communication, the Special Rapporteur emphasised that these convictions must be subject to an urgent judicial review conducted in strict accordance with the principles of a fair trial. Furthermore, Ms Lawlor underscored the state’s positive obligation to ensure that those currently in detention are provided with adequate and timely medical assistance where required. ^[41]

APR. 17, 2026 — ALMATY — It is reported that a total of 358 publications have been summarily removed from the Respublika media outlet’s Facebook page. Furthermore, Respublika reports that its social media infrastructure was subject to recurrent technical interference and administrative censorship between December 2025 and April 2026. This period of instability included seven distinct instances involving either the wholesale deletion or the blocking of the outlet’s Instagram presence. ^[42]

APR. 17, 2026 — ASTANA — Legal Media Centre’s Instagram account has been summarily blocked, a development that follows approximately one month of persistent disruption across its digital infrastructure. It is reported that the blocking of the account was preceded by a series of coordinated attacks, characterised by the submission of mass complaints against the organisation’s social media profiles. These actions also resulted in the temporary suspension of the Legal Media Centre YouTube channel, indicating a sustained campaign of technical and administrative interference directed to de-platform the organisation prominent in the field of media law and advocacy and obstruct its public-facing activities. ^[43]

APR. 17, 2026 — ALMATY — It is understood that YouTube channel operated by Mr Azamat Omarov was targeted by a series of copyright infringement claims, which appear to have been utilised as a mechanism for the systematic suppression of Mr Omarov’s digital output. Following the receipt of two initial infringement notices, Mr Omarov reportedly took the preemptive measure of expunging all content from the platform. This action was taken specifically to mitigate the risk of a third ‘strike’ which, under the platform’s terms of service, results in the automatic and permanent termination of the channel. Notwithstanding the total removal of the material, a third claim was subsequently issued, resulting in the final suspension of the account. ^[44].

APR. 18, 2026 — ARQALYQ — A public assembly convened to protest proposed amendments to the Law “On Responsible Treatment of Animals” has been reportedly disrupted. The account of the disruption was provided by the event’s organiser, Ms Tatyana Chokan, who serves in an official capacity as a public inspector for animal welfare. According to Ms Chokan, despite the prior official authorisation of the protest, proceedings were impeded by external interference, preventing the organisers from exercising their right to peaceful demonstration. ^[45]

APR. 20, 2026 — KARAGANDA — A group of aggrieved homeowners submitted a formal petition to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the Prosecutor General Mr Berik Assylov. The petitioners, including Ms Zhanel Maidekina and Mr Ruslan Bukbayev, are purchasers of residential property within the Aspan complex, a development overseen by the firm SAPA CITY. It is understood that despite having fulfilled their contractual obligations and rendered full payment for the properties, the purchasers have been denied vacant possession and remain unable to obtain the keys to their respective apartments. The petitioners have explicitly invoked the state’s commitment to the principle of «law and order,» seeking executive and prosecutorial intervention to ensure that this principle is translated into a binding and enforceable resolution of their grievance. ^[46]

APR. 20, 2026 — GENEVA — The United Nations Human Rights Committee has formally registered a communication submitted by nine nationals of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The applicants are relatives of individuals who lost their lives during the civil unrest of January 2022 (referred to colloquially as “Bloody January”). The claimants allege systemic violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), specifically citing breaches of the right to life and the right to a fair trial and effective remedy. The submission contends that the criminal investigations initiated following the fatalities were summarily discontinued by the domestic authorities, and that those allegedly responsible for the deployment of lethal force have not been subject to criminal accountability. ^[47]

APR. 20, 2026 — ASTANA — Mr Zelimkhan Murtazov, a Russian national and conscientious objector from Chechnya, has departed the Republic of Kazakhstan for Yerevan, Armenia, following a protracted period of four months’ residence within the transit zone of Astana International Airport. Mr Murtazov’s initial arrival in the Republic was motivated by a reported well-founded fear of persecution and forced conscription in connection with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Having sought to avoid re-enlistment into military service, he remained in a state of legal and physical limbo within the international terminal while his status and potential for onward travel were adjudicated. ^[48]

APR. 21, 2026 — KARAGANDA — A collective of residents from the Bereke residential complex, led by Ms Roza Aldangurova, submitted a formal representation to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The petitioners are seeking urgent executive intervention in respect of a protracted failure in the provision of essential heating services. It is reported that the complex has been subject to a chronic deficit in thermal supply for several years. The residents contend that their sustained engagement with the local municipal authorities has proved nugatory, yielding only perfunctory and noncommittal responses. It is alleged that these administrative communications consist of standardised boilerplate which fails to address the underlying technical impediments to service restoration. Consequently, the grievance remains unresolved, leaving households without adequate habitability and exposed to significant risk during periods of extreme temperature. ^[49]

APR. 21, 2026 — ALMATY — The DEMOSCOPE Bureau for Express Monitoring of Public Opinion has published the results of a comprehensive survey titled “Public Trust in State Institutions.” The fieldwork for this study was conducted between 24 February and 6 March 2026, aimed at gauging the prevailing national sentiment regarding the efficacy and legitimacy of the Republic’s governance structures. The findings reveal a significant appetite for institutional reform. An overwhelming majority of those surveyed (85.4% of respondents) expressed the view that fundamental structural changes within the country are necessary. ^[50]

APR. 21, 2026 — ASTANA — Legal Media Centre’s Facebook page has been blocked following the previously reported suspension of its Instagram presence. These developments are reported to be the culmination of a sustained, month-long campaign of technical and administrative attrition targeting the organisation’s digital infrastructure. ^[51]

APR. 21, 2026 — ASTANA — Abzal Kuspan MP has raised significant concerns regarding the judicial interpretation of «defamation» in cases where citizens merely disseminate information by reference to an original source. Mr Kuspan observed that where an individual replicates existing content without the addition of personal assertions, the imposition of liability represents a troubling departure from established legal principles. He has formally indicated his intention to submit parliamentary inquiries to the relevant state organs to seek clarification on this matter. These observations follow the recent administrative detention of community activist Bekbolat Samenov in the Turkistan region. Mr Samenov was sentenced to a term of 20 days’ administrative arrest under Article 73-3(2) of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is further reported that Messrs Toktar Zhakash and Sabit Rysbayev were likewise held administratively liable for social media publications which essentially recounted a television news report concerning a public official. ^[52]

APR. 21, 2026 — LONDON — Amnesty International has observed that the authorities in the Republic of Kazakhstan “continued to use overly broad charges of spreading false information and inciting ethnic, social, racial and religious discord to silence critical voices and suppress dissent”. The report contends that these legal instruments are being deployed systematically to penalise the exercise of fundamental liberties, thereby exerting a deleterious effect on the independent civic space. ^[53]

APR. 21, 2026 — ASTANA — The appellate court has upheld the ruling of the Specialised Interdistrict Administrative Court of Astana in the matter of Mr Timur Danebayev. The applicant had sought his removal from the official register of persons and entities associated with extremist activity or terrorism. In August 2023, Mr Danebayev was convicted of an offence under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (the incitement of ethnic, social, racial, or religious discord) and received a custodial sentence of three years’ imprisonment. In dismissing the appeal, the court held that there were no statutory grounds for the applicant’s removal from the aforementioned register, observing that the conviction remains unspent. ^[54]

APR. 22, 2026 — ALMATY — At a press conference convened for the purpose, a delegation of senior journalists, comprising Messrs Marat Assipov and Lukpan Akhmedyarov, and Mses Ardak Bukeyeva, Karlygash Yezhenova, and Nazira Darimbet, issued a formal open appeal to the state authorities. The signatories have called for the urgent decriminalisation of Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which pertains to the “dissemination of knowingly false information.” The appeal emphasises that the continued existence of custodial penalties for informational discrepancies serves as a primary instrument of judicial harassment against the independent press. The journalists contend that such provisions are incompatible with a modern democratic state and should be replaced by civil remedies proportionate to the alleged harm. ^[55]

APR. 22, 2026 — ASTANA — The Prosecutor General’s Office has issued a formal statement confirming that a “comprehensive suite of investigative measures” is currently being undertaken in relation to the killing of the journalist Mr Aidos Sadykov. Mr Sadykov was widely known as the founder of the digital media outlet Bäse. This clarification was provided by the authorities in response to a formal request for information submitted by Radio Azattyk. Specific details regarding the progress of the inquiry have not been disclosed at this stage. ^[56]

APR. 22, 2026 — ASTANA — Ms Zhanar Sekerbayeva, co-founder of the Feminità movement, has been convicted on a charge of ‘battery’. The proceedings were brought under Article 109-1(1) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, resulting in the imposition of a financial penalty of 40 monthly calculation indices (approximately USD 370). It is understood that the prosecution was initiated following a formal complaint lodged by a private citizen, Ms Ziuar Zhumanova. ^[57]

APR. 22, 2026 — ALMATY — Following the expiration of an initial two-month remand period, the court has ordered a one-month extension of Mr Yakov Vorontsov’s pre-trial detention, bringing the total duration of his incarceration to three months. According to representations made by his legal counsel, Mr Galym Nurpeissov, the court justified the extension on the grounds that the defendant might otherwise abscond or interfere with the course of the investigation. Mr Vorontsov is currently facing indictment under Articles 302 and 296 of the Criminal Code, which pertain to the alleged management of premises for the consumption of controlled substances and the unlawful possession of narcotics without intent to supply, respectively. ^[58]

APR. 22, 2026 — SHYMKENT — The court has ordered the acquittal of Mr Baibaryss Raimbekov, an automotive commentator who publishes under the pseudonym Ruslan Zhanpeissov, in relation to charges of obstruction of a police officer. The proceedings, which were brought under Article 667 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, pertained to an alleged failure to comply with a lawful direction issued by law enforcement personnel. Upon a rigorous examination of the evidence, the court determined that the essential elements of the offence had not been established to the requisite legal standard, thereby necessitating the dismissal of the charge. ^[59]

APR. 23, 2026 — OSKEMEN — The Chief Military Prosecutor’s Office has formally concluded its investigation into the death of Mr Kazybek Ospanov, a serviceman whose passing occurred on 23 January 2026. The findings of the inquiry indicate a profound failure in the duty of care and the maintenance of military discipline within the relevant unit. The investigation established that commanding officials had systematically permitted, or failed to prevent, non-regulation conduct, colloquially understood as institutionalised hazing, within the ranks. Crucially, the evidence suggests that the deceased, together with six of his peers, was subjected to sustained psychological pressure and coercive treatment over a significant period. ^[60]

APR. 24, 2026 — ATYRAU — The Regional Administration (Akimat) has formally undertaken to provide substantive responses to a series of enquiries submitted by the media outlet Ak Zhaiyk. This development follows prior allegations by the publication’s editorial board that its requests for information had been systematically ignored by regional officials, in apparent contravention of statutory transparency obligations. It is the view of the Ak Zhaiyk editorial board that the protracted impasse with the Regional Department of Education may be attributed to the publication’s output. Specifically, the board suggests that the tension originated from their coverage of the Minister of Education’s official visit to Atyrau. ^[61]

APR. 24, 2026 — SHYMKENT — Mr Arai Yessenbek, the editor of the Kungei digital portal, was convicted on charges of extortion. The proceedings, brought under Article 194(3) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, resulted in the imposition of a custodial sentence of five years’ imprisonment. Furthermore, the court exercised its powers under Article 50(3) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan to impose a secondary penalty of professional disqualification. Mr Yessenbek has been prohibited from engaging in any activities related to the mass media for a period of five years. ^[62]

APR. 24, 2026 — ASTANA — A collective of human rights defenders, comprising Mr Sergei Solyanik, Mr Mussagali Dauylov, and Ms Anara Ibrayeva, has initiated legal proceedings against the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. The claim arises from the Ministry’s categorical refusal to disclose a technical report concerning “hydroecological and hydrogeological studies within the Kokzhide sand massif”. The claimants contend that the withholding of this documentation constitutes an impermissible interference with the right of access to information. ^[63]

APR. 24, 2026 — KYIV — Mr Gadzhi Gadzhiyev, an entrepreneur, has initiated a civil action for the protection of honour and dignity (defamation) against the journalist Ms Natalya Sadykova. The claim has been filed in the jurisdiction of Kyiv, where the defendant currently resides and operates the digital media outlet Bäse. The litigation arises from content published via the defendant’s YouTube channel, which characterised Mr Gadzhiyev as an “architect of shadow power.” The material in question alleged that the claimant exercised illicit control over contraband flows and cross-border smuggling operations at the Kazakhstan–China frontier. ^[64]

APR. 24, 2026 — SHYMKENT — A court has summarily imposed a sentence of four days’ administrative detention upon Mr Baibaryss Raimbekov, an automotive commentator who publishes under the pseudonym Ruslan Zhanpeissov. The defendant was found liable under Article 667 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the alleged failure to comply with the lawful directions of police officers. The court admitted into evidence several recordings documenting the encounter, and the term of detention was ordered to commence on 22 April. Notably, these proceedings follow a separate judicial determination earlier the same day, in which a court in the Kyzylorda Region acquitted Mr Raimbekov of similar charges, including the obstruction of police officers and the showing of disrespect toward law enforcement personnel. ^[65]

APR. 24, 2026 — KOKSHETAU — During the judicial proceedings concerning allegations of systemic torture brought against 12 former officers of Atbasar Penal Colony No. 1, the prosecution has moved to serve a revised indictment. This procedural shift involves the reclassification of the extant charges from Article 146 (torture) to Article 362(4) (abuse of office) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This reclassification has encountered unanimous objection from all parties to the proceedings. The defendants and their legal counsel, alongside the victims and their representatives, have formally submitted their opposition to the court. Notably, the victim Mr Timur Danebayev has issued a categorical objection, contending that the revised charges fail to reflect the gravity of the alleged conduct. ^[66]

APR. 25, 2026 — ASTANA — The Police Department has issued a formal response concerning the detention of Mr Zholdas Orisbai, a correspondent for Radio Azattyk, during the referendum held on 15 March. The authorities contend that the measures taken did not constitute a violation of the journalist’s statutory rights, nor did the conduct of the officers involved amount to an abuse of office. ^[67]

APR. 27, 2026 — ALMATY — Journalist Mr Vadim Boreiko reported the imposition of extensive financial restrictions upon him, following a civil claim initiated by the construction firm Etude-Ybyrai LLP. The measures involve the freezing of all banking facilities and deposits held by Mr Boreiko, including, notably, his pension account. The claimant, Etude-Ybyrai LLP, alleges that Mr Boreiko engaged in the “systematic dissemination of false information” which, it contends, has caused actionable harm to its business reputation and resulted in substantial financial loss. ^[68]

APR. 27, 2026 — KARAGANDA — A delegation of residents from the Nura residential complex, led by Mses Gulmira Kyrykbaeva and Anastassiya Savelyeva, has submitted a formal appeal to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The petitioners seek executive intervention as a matter of last resort, following the exhaustion of conventional legal channels. This representation arises from an escalating social and property dispute concerning the premises at 51/4 Mukanov Street. It is reported that dozens of families have remained in a state of prolonged legal precarity for several years, having been unable to secure formal recognition of title or the registration of their lawful proprietary interests in their respective dwellings. ^[69]

APR. 28, 2026 — KYZYLORDA — Following a breach of the conditions of probation, the court has ordered the substitution of a suspended sentence for a term of immediate imprisonment in respect of Mr Kambar Zhussupov. Mr Zhussupov had originally been sentenced to a one-year suspended term pursuant to a conviction under Article 313(1) of the Criminal Code, which concerns the unlawful dissemination of material alleged to promote a «cult of cruelty and violence.» The court directed the enforcement of a nine-month custodial term, representing the unserved portion of a prior sentence dated 15 December 2025. ^[70]

APR. 28, 2026 — STEPNOGORSK — The court has found Mr Artem Sochnev liable under Article 456-2 of the Code of Administrative Offences, a provision pertaining to the dissemination of false information. Consequent to this finding of guilt, the court imposed a financial penalty of 20 monthly calculation indices (approximately USD 188). The proceedings originated from a video publication disseminated via the defendant’s Instagram profile on 19 February 2026. The material in question contained critical commentary directed at the Prime Minister and the Akim (Governor) of the Akmola Region. ^[71]

APR. 28, 2026 — ALMATY — The Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (KIBHR) has expressed grave concern regarding an escalation in the summary removal of content and the suspension of social media accounts belonging to non-governmental organisations (NGOs), independent media outlets, and civic activists. The KIBHR submits that the targeted suppression of digital material and the blocking of accounts, frequently appearing to follow the publication of critical commentary regarding the Government, constitutes an impermissible interference with the right to impart information. ^[72]

APR. 28, 2026 — ASTANA — The Instagram account of the Legal Media Centre has been restored, following a period of enforced suspension lasting nearly a fortnight. The account was originally blocked on 16 April, an action which effectively severed the organisation’s primary digital channel for the dissemination of legal and journalistic commentary. ^[73]

APR. 28, 2026 — ALMATY — The appellate court has upheld, without variation, the convictions and sentences of Messrs Damir Kusheyev, Ruslan Karimov, Kurmangazy Aitmukanov, and Andrey Belyansky. Each appellant had been sentenced to a nine-year term of imprisonment following a conviction for extortion under Article 194 of the Criminal Code. In dismissing the appeal, the court observed that the finding of guilt was predicated upon a jury’s verdict. Consequently, the court held that arguments concerning alleged procedural irregularities fell outside the permissible scope of appellate review. However, in light of representations made by jurors alleging that they were subjected to undue pressure, the court issued a special ruling directing the competent authorities to initiate a formal inquiry into the circumstances of the jury’s deliberations. ^[74]

APR. 29, 2026 — KARAGANDA Region — The Abai District Court has granted an application for the restoration of a time limit for appeal, thereby permitting a motion to annul a previously contested administrative determination. The court’s order seeks to set aside a disciplinary sanction and the subsequent designation of Mr Anton Knyazev as a “persistent offender.” Mr Knyazev is currently serving a four-year custodial sentence at Detention Facility No. 4. His incarceration follows convictions under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, specifically Article 194(2) regarding the offence of extortion, and Article 190(1) regarding the offence of fraud. ^[75] ^[76]

APR. 29, 2026 — ALMATY — Journalist Mr Ayan Sharipbayev has issued a formal warning regarding the systemic insecurity of personal data held within state repositories. Mr Sharipbayev reports having been targeted by individuals operating within the “shadow segment” of the digital network, who demonstrated their capacity to access and collate comprehensive dossiers on private citizens. According to Mr Sharipbayev, these individuals produced an exhaustive range of sensitive information, including his personal data, the records of his kin and associates, and his private contact networks. He contends that state registries remain profoundly vulnerable to illicit access, suggesting that the integrity of these systems can be compromised for a nominal sum — cited as approximately one million tenges. Mr Sharipbayev observed that while the state maintains an extensive infrastructure for the accumulation of personal data, it remains fundamentally deficient in its protective capacity. ^[77]

APR. 29, 2026 — ASTANA — Speaking on the margins of the Mazhilis, the Chair of the Republican Chamber of Private Bailiffs, Mr Nurzhan Aryngazinov, offered a clarification regarding the recent freezing of the bank accounts held by the journalist Mr Vadim Boreiko. Mr Aryngazinov attributed the comprehensive nature of such seizures to the prevailing use of standard retail accounts within second-tier banks, noting that while these facilities offer convenient digital interfaces, they remain vulnerable to enforcement actions. During his remarks, the Chair advocated for the wider adoption of “special purpose accounts,” asserting that such instruments possess a unique legal status. He contended that these accounts are inviolable under the law and are, by definition, exempt from seizure or attachment by bailiffs during the satisfaction of civil claims. ^[78]

APR. 29, 2026 — ALMATY — The Adil Soz Foundation has formally petitioned the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan to expedite the promulgation of a normative resolution concerning the application of Article 274 of the Criminal Code (pertaining to the dissemination of knowingly false information). The Foundation urges the Court to ensure the rigorous and consistent application of this guidance across the lower judiciary, thereby safeguarding the principles of equity and proportionality in judicial decision-making. Central to the Foundation’s representation is the requirement that a criminal conviction under Article 274 must satisfy a tripartite test of liability. The material in question must constitute a verifiable factual assertion that is demonstrably false, rather than a statement of opinion, value judgment, or satirical expression. It must be proven that the individual disseminated the information with actual knowledge of its falsity and acted with specific intent. The dissemination must be shown to have caused significant or material harm. ^[79]

APR. 29, 2026 — ATYRAU — During a multi-agency meeting convened to address environmental and ‘greening’ initiatives, attended by the Regional Prosecutor, Mr Madiyar Basshybaev, members of the press were summarily directed to vacate the premises. The exclusion occurred despite the event having been formally designated and advertised as an open forum. The proceedings were attended by a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives of extractive industries, state administrative bodies, and various third-sector organisations. However, during the course of the deliberations, officials from the Prosecutor’s Office insisted upon the withdrawal of accredited journalists. It is reported that, notably, bloggers and civic activists also in attendance were not subject to similar requests to leave, resulting in the selective exclusion of the professional media. ^[80]

APR. 29, 2026 — LONDON — ARTICLE 19, an international human rights organisation that works to defend and promote freedom of expression and freedom of information worldwide, is deeply concerned by the recent conviction of 19 activists in Kazakhstan for their involvement in peaceful protest in 2025 against ongoing gross human rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang Province. ARTICLE 19 is doubly alarmed that the conviction appears to follow direct pressure from Beijing urging Kazakh authorities to crack down on peaceful protest of China’s human rights record. ^[81]

APR. 30, 2026 — PARIS — The international non-governmental organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, in which Kazakhstan is ranked 149th out of 180 countries surveyed. The Republic achieved a global score of 34.41 (on a scale of 0 to 100), placing it within the lower quartile of the index. A comparative analysis with the previous reporting period reveals a notable deterioration in the country’s standing. Kazakhstan has descended eight places in the rankings, having occupied the 141st position in the 2025 Index. ^[82]

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^[3]https://www.facebook.com/100001734259584/posts/26562651653375949/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=fMXxAYcrT4ERdvXE#

^[4] https://bureau.kz/novosti/vasha-nestabilnost-ne-nasha-problema/

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^[7] https://kaztag.kz/ru/news/bapi-obratilsya-k-genprokuroru-i-dumk-po-povodu-psevdoreligioznykh-avtoritetov

^[8] https://clck.ru/3SuWnr

^[9]https://www.facebook.com/toregozhina/posts/pfbid02DvVEZ52PDKQkQVdANXCyKUaxP91sPtBpjojKiYrPSMpW2H5fFqPqUMgipGujkhj5l

^[10] https://www.facebook.com/reel/4760312750863078

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^[12] https://kaztag.kz/ru/news/sanzhara-bokaeva-podozrevayut-v-moshennichestve-v-osobo-krupnom-razmere-genprokuratura