MONITORING OF POLITICAL PERSECUTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN FROM February 1 to February 28, 2023

February 1, Aktobe, the court convicted Isayev Nursultan in connection with the events #QANTAR2022 under Article 380-1, Part 2, Article 272, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK to 15 years in prison, Kami Darkhan received 4 years in prison under Article 272, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK. The others were given suspended sentences under Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the RK, and some people were released in the courtroom. Two people were acquitted[1].

February 1, Almaty, after the events #QANTAR2022 human rights activists were approached by 190 people who were allegedly severely injured in the pre-trial detention center. There were 13 juveniles and 12 women among them[2].

February 1, Astana, foreign and Kazakh human rights defenders presented a joint report on the widespread use of torture in connection with the events #QANTAR2022. According to the report, the state has not made conclusions, although representatives of state authorities assure about the progress[3].

February 1, Almaty, Arbat.media RK received a summons to the Leninsky District Court in the city of Vladimir (Russian Federation). The suit against the publication was brought by the 19th Military Prosecutor’s Office of the Russian Army in relation to the article “Russian Occupiers Suffer Defeat in Kharkiv Region, but Don’t Want to Admit It” that was published in September 2022. Federal Supervision Agency for Information Technologies, Communications and Mass Media (Roskomnadzor) considers that the article contains information violating the legislation of the Russian Federation[4].

February 2, Almaty, the Adil Soz Foundation has requested the government to provide clarification regarding the international obligations on the basis of which the Russian state authorities are sending subpoenas to the Kazakh media and journalists[5].

February 2, Almaty, at a press conference, Kurentayev Zharkyn and a relative of the KNB officers under investigation accused of torture said that the authorities were trying to make KNB officers responsible for the death of Otepbayev Yerbol, while other parties were also involved[6].

February 2, Almaty, PF “Adil Soz” conducted a study of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from January 26 to February 2, 2023[7].

February 2, Semey, Khamidullin Rufat, Article 272, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 3.5 years imprisonment: Regional Court No. 2 of Semey refused the appeal on December 26, 2022[8].

February 2, Atyrau, single-mandate electoral district No. 13 refused to register Bokayev Maks as a candidate for the Majilis in the elections to be held on March 19, 2023. Bokayev’s criminal record was cited as the reason for refusal[9].

February 2, Astana, the Embassy of Canada held a meeting in support of independent journalists. Yegeubaeva D., Ibrayeva S. and Boreyko V. were invited. They shared their stories and explained the influence on independent journalism in Kazakhstan[10].

February 2, Taraz, “The investigation has gone all out to make sure that the cases of the victims of the bullets in January did not reach the court. I was overwhelmed with grief but they tried to intimidate me and make me sign a document saying I agreed to the charges under Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the RK, but I did not give in”, says Sholpan, the widow of Isatay Donbaev[11].

February 2, Aktobe, Khazeeva A, the wife of Isayev N., asked a question to the authorities: “Why did the serviceman who fired 15 bullets at the shepherd Krykbayev E., get 6 years of imprisonment, and my husband, against whom the police have no claims and no one received injuries of medium gravity, got 15 years?”[12].

February 3, Petropavlovsk, Akimat refused to give permission to hold a peaceful protest on 11 February 2023 to Shirobokova O. and Ismailov S. Theme of the rally: To register all independent candidates for deputies and independent parties. The reason for the refusal was that at this time “there will be a previously agreed event from January 25 to March 22, 2023”[13].

February 3, Shymkent, Muratbaeva G., Article 405, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, is called for questioning in a criminal case that was opened against her as a witness with the right to protection for the fact that she communicated in a live broadcast with the leader of the opposition movement Ablyazov M.[14].

February 3, Almaty, akimat refused to give permission to Imangalieva B. to hold a peaceful protest on February 11, 2023 in the square named after Sh. Valikhanov. The topic of the rally: To register all independent candidates for deputies and independent parties. The reason for the refusal was the fact that another cultural and mass event was scheduled for that day[15].

February 3, Aktobe, the court dismissed the prosecutor’s appeal against the decision of the court of first instance to re-investigate the death of Zhubanazarov R., a resident of Aktobe region, who was shot dead during the events of #QANTAR2022. Earlier, the examining court found illegal the fact that the relatives of Zhubanazarov R. were not acknowledged as victims[16].

February 3, the International Human Rights Watch (HRW) condemned the decision of the Almaty Prosecutor’s Office to return the charges of “organization of mass riots” against Mamay Zh. under Article 272, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan[17].

February 3, Astana, Abzhan Makhambet, Article 194, Part 2, Article 274, Part 2/3 of the Criminal Code of the RK. The criminal court sentenced the journalist accused of “spreading knowingly false information” and “extortion” to 9 years’ imprisonment[18].

February 3, Almaty, Ilyashev Alnur, the administrative court rejected the complaint of the activist against the decision of the single-mandate constituency No. 4, which had denied him registration as a candidate for the Majilis in the upcoming election on March 19[19].

February 3, Atyrau, Olesya Vertinskaya, a correspondent for the “Dorozhny Kontrol” portal, reports that the investigation into her previously closed case on her complaint of torture during the January 2022 events has been reopened[20].

February 4, Almaty region, the administrative court denied journalist Muhammedkarim D, who had challenged the refusal of the authorities to register him as a candidate for the Majilis. The court upheld the decision of electoral commission No. 12, which did not admit him to the elections, citing violations of migration legislation[21].

February 5, Almaty, more than 150 people gathered in Gandhi Park to urge local authorities to permit the holding of women’s march and rally on International Women’s Day, and to remove restrictions on peaceful assemblies[22].

February 5, Almaty, journalist D. Yegeubaeva reports that her son was attacked with a gun. The Almaty Police Department stated that a case has been initiated regarding an armed attack on the journalist’s son[23].

February 6, Aktobe, Kudaibergenov Kazybek, Article 272, Part 2, Article 380, Part 3, Article 380-1, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 17 years of imprisonment for “infringement on life” of the officer of the National Guard of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who died during the events #QANTAR2022. The court dismissed the appeal and sentenced him to 16.5 years in prison[24].

February 6, Almaty, Bostandyk court No. 2, Mamay Zhanbolat, Articles 378, 274, Article 272, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the RK; the defense attorney Kenzhebaev E. believes that the new charges violate the right of the defendant to protection and plans to appeal to the Constitutional Court in order to recognize the new indictment of January 26 as an illegal procedural document[25].

February 6, Almaty, Akimat did not give permission to Abishev Aset to hold a peaceful protest on February 12, 2023 in the square named after Sh. Valikhanov with the topic: To register all independent candidates for deputies and independent parties. The reason for the refusal was that “a previously scheduled cultural and mass event will be held”[26].

February 6, Pavlodar, Akimat did not give permission to Shegenova Zhannat to hold a peaceful protest on February 12, 2023 with the topic: To register all independent candidates for deputies and independent parties. The reason for the refusal was that “another cultural and mass event will be held at the venue”[27].

6 February, Kokshetau, akimat did not give permission to activists Negmetov U. and Baltashev B. to hold a peaceful protest on 11 February 2023. The topic: register all independent candidates for deputies and independent parties. The reason for the refusal was that “Incomplete data were provided”[28].

February 6, Astana, Akimat did not give permission to Zhusupova N, Dzhakhin A and Zhylanbaev M. to hold a peaceful protest on 11-12 February 2023. The topic: To register all independent candidates for deputies and independent parties. The reason for the refusal was that the places for peaceful assembly were occupied by “previously agreed activities”[29].

February 7, Atyrau, Mendygaziev Bekizhan, Article 262, Part 2, Article 245, Part 3, Article 218, Part 3, Article 216, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 5.1 years of imprisonment; Dzhusupov Bauyrzhan, Article 245, Part 3, 5.5 years of imprisonment. The regional court upheld their sentence[30].

February 7, Taraz, Court No. 2 passed a sentence against 9 people charged in the case #QANTAR2022 under Article 272, Part 2, Articles 287, 379 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Bekbau was sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment; Kerimbaev to 3 years’ imprisonment and Tashekeev to 2 years’ imprisonment. They were released from the courtroom due to the fact that they were subject to amnesty. Yerezhepov was given a 9-month suspended sentence in connection with the amnesty. The five defendants who died during the #QANTAR2022 events were also found guilty[31].

On February 7, Zarechniy village, Facility No. 14, Amirov Yerulan, Article 174, 405 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 7 years of imprisonment, was beaten. The reason and identity of those who had beaten him are unknown[32]. The human rights defenders asked for explanations to the Department of the Criminal and Correctional System (DUIS).

February 7, “According to a survey, 71.1% of citizens disapprove of Tokayev’s order to ‘shoot to kill’ protesters. Whereas 11.3%, on the contrary, support this decision. 11.1% found it difficult to answer, while 6.5% were completely unaware of the decision. According to the data of the Bureau of express-monitoring of public opinion “DEMOSCOPE” in cooperation with the Research Center “PAPERLAB”[33].

February 8, Almaty region, Zarechnyi village, facility No. 14, Narymbayev Yermek, Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 3 years of imprisonment, the regional court upheld the lawyer’s appeal against the ruling of the court of first instance[34].

February 8, Almaty region, Kaskelen city, the administrative court recognized as illegal the refusal to register Mukhammedkarim D. as a candidate for the Majilis and recognized the protocol of the District Election Commission No. 12 as unlawful[35].

February 8, Taraz, the police detained activist Kanatov Nurlan, who had previously reported that his car had been set on fire, and the police accused him of setting it on fire himself. Kanatov also stated that he was “the victim of harassment and covert threats” by the police authorities for his criticism. Just before his detention, he made an appeal to President Tokayev[36].

February 8, Almaty, blogger Aitelenov N. picketed the courthouse in support of journalist Abzhan M. who was sentenced to 9 years imprisonment. The blogger says that he believes the case is trumped up because he “covered events that other journalists and media outlets did not cover”[37].

February 8, Uralsk, activist Utebayev Bekbulat went to a solitary picket with the theme: “We do not live, but we survive”. The deputy prosecutor of the city declared that his actions were illegal and he could be detained, however, Utebayev B. was not detained[38].

February 8, Astana, a box was sent to the editorial office of “UlysMedia.kz” with the animal’s guts and a family photo of Samal Ibraeva, the editor of the publication. Ibraeva S. considers it as an attempt to intimidate the editorial board. The law enforcement agencies initiated a criminal case on this fact[39].

February 8, Almaty, the administrative court refused to satisfy the claim of journalists of the BES.media project. The reason for the appeal to the court was the withholding of information about the nomination of candidates for the Majilis. BES.media has been trying unsuccessfully since the beginning of the election campaign to get information as to who is being nominated as a candidate for the Majilis[40].

February 8, Petropavlovsk, the head of security service of “Dostyk Mall” shopping center Sagandykov S. was found guilty under Art. 158 of the Criminal Code of the RK for “impeding journalistic activities” and sentenced to 1 year of restriction of liberty. Based on the law “On amnesty” he was released from punishment[41].

8 February, Uralsk, Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful picket on 20, 21 and 22 February 2023 to Utebayev Bekbulat. Topic: Increase disability benefits and provide people with disabilities with required medicines and equipment. The reason for the refusal was that the information provided was incomplete[42].

On February 8, Kokshetau, police officers detained Zhanuzakov M. who was about to go to the election commission to submit documents. As it was the last day for submission of documents, thus the police actions hindered the registration of a candidate for deputy[43].

February 8, Astana, members of the committee for the creation of the party “Alga, Kazakhstan!” for the 11th time submitted a list of the initiative group to the Ministry of Justice to begin registration of the party. The authorities once again refused referring to Article 8 of the law “On Political Parties”, allegedly the list of the initiative group does not meet the law. The authorities did not provide any concrete answer as to what exactly does not comply[44].

February 9, Almaty, PF “Adil Soz” conducted a study of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from February 2 to February 9, 2023[45].

February 9, Uralsk, activist O. Okhasov was stopped by the police because he was allegedly driving drunk. He refused to undergo a blood alcohol test. The police drew up two protocols under the article on violation of traffic rules and failure to fulfill the orders of a police officer[46].

February 9, Uralsk, O. Okhasov, a medical examination confirmed that the activist had suffered bodily injuries. In traumatology, the doctor concluded that Okhasov had a bruise of the soft tissues of the hairy part of the head, a bruise of the soft tissues of the left hand, a bruise of the chest on both sides[47].

February 9, Aktobe, akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on February 11, 2023 to Kuzhakhmetov S.I. Subject: Register all independent candidates for deputies and independent parties. The reason for the refusal was that incomplete information was provided[48].

February 9, Atyrau, journalists of the “Dorozhny Kontrol” online edition Vertinskaya O. and Kozhaniyazov S. believe that they were subjected to harassment by the Deputy Head of the Regional Police Department Bigambaev E., who sued them for damages to his business reputation, and in early February he filed a statement to prosecute Kozhaniyazov S. for defamation[49].

February 9, Atyrau, Vertinskaya O. and S. Kozhaniyazov believe that at that time E. Bigambayev was the deputy head of the city police department and now he is trying to bring suit against the journalists for their description of torture in #QANTAR2022 in the “Dynamo” sports complex, which is located in the courtyard of the police department[50].

February 8, “Kazakhstan’s journalism may be adjusted to North Korea’s standards under a new media law. They want to force the media to coordinate articles with officials, they plan to put journalists on the register and hold them accountable for their materials for the rest of their lives”, the press advocates say[51].

February 9, associations of independent observers are not able to begin preparing for observation of the March 19, 2023 elections because they are in limbo, while waiting for accreditation from the CEC under new amendments that they consider restrictive of rights, activists say[52].

February 10, West Kazakhstan oblast, Burlinskiy district, akimat did not give permission to Baitemirov Yedigе to hold a peaceful protest on February 18, 2023. Subject: To register all independent candidates for deputies and independent parties. Reason for refusal: On this particular day, at this time and in these places sporting events and agricultural fair will be conducted[53].

February 10, Taldykorgan, the city court announced the sentence of 5 police officers accused of torture under Article 146, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK and detained during the events of #QANTAR2022. Kenzhebaev A. and Zhanbakytuly N. were sentenced to 4 years of imprisonment each, Zhumashev E., Bokanov A. to 3 years of imprisonment, and Toktash S. to 3.5 years of imprisonment. Twenty-three persons were identified as victims in this case[54].

February 10, Almaty, facility No. 72, Kozachkov M., Article 262, Part 2, Article 249, Part 3, Article 185, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. “Today it is the second time that a journalist has been taken to an investigative action without defense attorneys! They notified about the conduct of the investigation action today, 10.02.2023, at 12.00 p.m., with only one defender notified just one hour before the investigation action”, — reports his lawyer Murat Adam[55].

February 10, Almaty, “At the moment the victims and relatives of those who were killed, with the support of human rights defenders, are initiating the process of rehabilitation and filing civil lawsuits seeking recognition as ‘victims or those affected by the events of January 4-7, 2022’ in connection with the mass riots or during their suppression in Almaty”, says Bakhytzhan Toregozhina[56].

February 10, Kyzylorda region, Zhanakorgan district, Ashirbekov Karasay was sentenced to 6.5 years’ imprisonment under Article 120 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The court was closed; human rights activists and observers were not allowed to attend the trial[57].

February 12, Almaty, Bostandyk District Court No. 2, during the questioning of O. Loginova, a journalist for the online magazine Vlast, the prosecutor Baimagambetov rudely stated: “You remember all the questions asked by Mamay Zh. and his supporters, and as for the prosecutor’s questions, I see that you have lost your memory”[58].

February 13, Almaty, in the hotel “Kazzhol Park” there was scheduled a press conference of the lawyers of Dzhumageldiev A., also known as “Dikiy Arman” (Wild Arman). The electricity was suddenly cut off in the building, thus the press conference was disrupted. The lawyers intended to provide new information about the case of their client[59].

February 14, Astana, journalist Serik Zholdasbay reports that he received a threatening phone call. The unknown person, according to the journalist, introduced himself as a secret service officer and told him “not to pry where he shouldn’t”. S. Zholdasbay filed a complaint with the police[60].

February 15, Kokshetau, the akimat did not give permission to activists to hold an anti-war picket on the occasion of the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was also planned to demand the withdrawal from the EEU and the CSTO. The reason for the refusal: During pickets the use of sound-amplifying technical means is prohibited. Only posters, banners and “other means of visual agitation” are allowed.[61].

February 15, Uralsk, the city court announced the sentence of Yeskendirova M. and Orazbayev A., Article 405, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. They were sentenced to 1.5 years of restriction of liberty with a two-year ban on social and political activities. The court also sentenced Yeskendirova M. to 100 hours of forced labor a year for the entire term of serving the punishment[62].

February 15, Astana, there was a solitary picket in defense of convicted journalist Abzhan M., who was sentenced to 9 years’ imprisonment. The brother of the convicted journalist unfurled a banner at the House of Ministries with an appeal to release Abzhan M. and other independent journalists[63].

February 15, West Kazakhstan region, the akimat of Burlinskiy district did not give permission to Baitemirov Yedige to hold a peaceful protest in February 2023. Subject: Register all independent candidates for deputies and independent parties. The reason for the refusal was that “Incomplete data were provided”[64].

February 15, Astana, the Department of Internal Policy did not give permission to hold a public rally against the adoption of the government’s new draft law “On Mass Media”, which, in the opinion of journalists and press advocates, increases state control over the media. The reason for the refusal was that other previously scheduled events would be held at the same time[65].

February 15, Almaty, the case of the death of 4-year-old Aikorkem Meldehan, who died from a gunshot wound last January, is scheduled to go to trial. The case has one suspect and is being investigated under Article 451 “Excess of authority” of the Criminal Code of the RK[66].

February 16, Almaty, review of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from February 9 to February 16, 2023[67].

February 16, Karaganda, Aitmaganbetov Zhaslan, human rights defender and head of the Association for the Protection of Consumer Rights, who decided to run for the Majilis of the Parliament, claims pressure on him before the early parliamentary elections, which are scheduled for March 19[68].

February 16, Astana, Zhylanbayev M., who decided to run for the Majilis of the Parliament, reports an administrative case against him for alleged agitation before the deadline. Such ruling was also received by Dzhakhin A. under Article 102 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Conducting election campaigning during the period of its prohibition”; if they are found guilty, they both face a fine of 15 MCI[69].

February 17, Atyrau, a complaint from Nasar Solutions LLP to environmental activists Martynyuk O. and Chernov G. about “spreading false information” on the facts of dangerous chemical wastewater discharged into the sewage system and demands to withdraw the license from the akimat and the party “Amanat”. The LLP requires providing a number of documents within 10 days, and if they do not provide these documents, it may be grounds for a complaint to initiate proceedings under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan[70].

February 18, Almaty, femactivists, organizers of the march for Women’s Rights on March 8, received a refusal from the akimat of the city. The topic of this year’s march was “For bodily autonomy. Against sexualized violence”. They received four refusals for March 8, two refusals for the march and two refusals for the rally[71].

18 February, Almaty, journalist M. Kozachkov, Article 262, Part 2, Article 249, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The measure of restraint was changed from custody to house arrest. He pleaded guilty to illegal distribution of personal data and reported that part of the charges against him has been dropped. “Due to my repentance the case on divulgence of state secrets, which I illegally disclosed, has been dropped”, said Kozachkov M.[72].

18 February, Astana, PF “Legal Media Center” considers the refusal of the Akimat to hold a rally against the draft law «On Mass Media» to be illegal. Head Okremova D. and lawyer Birzhanova G. came to the square in front of the circus to see what event was being held there, but the square was empty[73].

February 18, Uralsk, O. Okhasov, Article 667 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 15 days of arrest. His driving license was also revoked for 8 years. The judge found Okhasov guilty under the article of failure to fulfill the lawful demand of a police officer to pass a test for alcohol intoxication in accordance with the established procedure[74].

February 18, Almaty, territorial electoral district No. 3 did not register Tleuzhan Aigerim as a candidate for the elections to the Majilis. On February 18, 15 minutes before the end of the registration of candidates, members of the commission expressed doubts about the authenticity of the bank document, where the payment of election fee of Tleuzhan Aigerim was indicated[75].

February 19, Almaty, activists registered as candidates for deputies of the Majilis and Maslikhat in single-mandate constituencies held the first “campaign rally” in Gandhi Park[76].

February 18, Almaty, by the decision of the expert council the following persons were recognized as political prisoners: Utepov Aslan, being in custody under Articles 190, 194, 367 of the Criminal Code of the RK, the head of the public association “People against corruption”, human rights defender and activist. Abzhan Makhambet, Article 194 and Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the RK, sentenced to 9 years of imprisonment, journalist and founder of the telegram channel «Abzhan News[77].

February 20, Almaty, akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on February 24, 2023 to Imangalieva B. Subject: Support, Ukraine. Reason for refusal: “As practice shows, there is a threat of violation of public order in carrying out peaceful assemblies on the declared topic”[78].

February 20, Astana, Akimat did not give permission to Zhylanbaev M. to hold a peaceful protest on February 24, 2023. Reason for refusal: An event that was previously agreed upon[79].

February 20, Almaty, according to the Telegram channel Polisia police detained 18 people for unlawful actions against journalists[80].

On February 20, in Uralsk, B. Utebaev held a solitary picket in the central square of Abay in front of the building of the akimat. He came out with a poster “Ya hochu zhit’, I want to live”. The pensioner, who has the second group of disability, demand to increase pensions and benefits and to lower the retirement age[81].

February 20, Almaty, “KazFem” activist Fonova Veronika filed a lawsuit against the Almaty akimat and akim Dosayev E. The activist asks the court to compel the defendant to approve the Women’s March and Procession on March 8, 2023, as well as to oblige the akimat “in the future not to take encumbering administrative acts concerning the rights and freedoms”[82].

February 20, Almaty, akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on February 24, 2023 to Abishev A. Subject: Support, Ukraine. Reason for refusal: “As practice shows, there is a threat of violation of public order in carrying out peaceful assemblies on the declared topic”[83].

February 20, West Kazakhstan region, the akimat of Burlinskiy district did not give permission to Baitemirov Yedige to hold a peaceful protest on February 24, 2023, on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Subject: Support for Ukraine, withdrawal from the EEU and the CSTO. Reason for refusal: Holding previously scheduled events[84].

February 20, Almaty, journalist Boreyko Vadim, the author of the channel “Hyperborey”, said about the explosion of two cars of his operator. “I connect the explosion (or arson) of the cars with the January incident and with my professional activities”, states V. Boreyko[85].

February 20, Almaty, after the explosion of two cars owned by a cameraman who works with the journalist Boreyko V., the police initiated a criminal case under Article 202, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK “Intentional destruction or damage of another’s property”[86].

February 22, Almaty, the press center of KIBHR held a press conference of former candidates to the Majilis Bishuinov M., Sabitbekuly K., Shardarov S., who were denied registration as candidates by district election commissions under various pretexts[87].

February 22, Shymkent, the Abay court held a trial on the substitution of punishment in respect of Ashtaev Zh., Article 269, Part 2, Article 405, Part 2, Article 272, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 3 years and 1 month of imprisonment. He found out about the trial just 2 hours before it started, he was not provided with the opportunity to prepare for the trial, he was not provided with the lawyer, and the judge ignored the request to provide a lawyer. Three officers came to Ashtaev Zh,, beat him up and forced him to write a confession that he allegedly violated the regime of the detention facility. Ashtaev Zh. was refused to have his sentence commuted because he was punished for violation of the regime in the pre-trial detention facility[88].

February 22, 2023, members of the organizing committee for the establishment of the party “Alga, Kazakhstan” once again submitted a list of the initiative group to the Ministry of Justice for the registration of the party. The authorities refused to start registration referring to Article 8 of the Law on Political Parties, saying that the list of the initiative group supposedly does not meet the requirements of the law[89].

February 22, Uralsk, Utepov Aslan, Articles 194, 190, 367 of the Criminal Code of the RK; he is currently in custody, the materials of the criminal case are in the prosecutor’s office. Utepov A. believes that all actions of the victims and employees of the Anti-Corruption Agency were provocation in response to his public activities[90].

On February 22, Astana, A. Bikebaev, Chairman of the Republican Collegium of Lawyers, said at a press conference that “State bodies often limit the role of a lawyer to the role of an ordinary Kazakh citizen, without considering that they are entrusted with the constitutional and legal mission, so there are unequal conditions”[91].

February 22, Almaty, journalist Moldabekov D., author of articles in genre of journalistic investigations, reports that an unknown masked man attack him in the stairwell. He heard a foul language warning from the attacker, which was similar in meaning to the phrase “Not to stick your neck out!”.

February 23, Uralsk, in response to 6 notifications of Utebaev B. to hold a peaceful picket on 1, 7, 8, 13,14 and 15 March 2023, the akimat did not give him permission to hold the picket. Subject: Increasing of disability benefits and pensions, lowering of retirement age. Reason for refusal: holding previously agreed cultural events[92].

February 23, Almaty, review of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from February 16 to February 23, 2023[93].

February 23, Almaty, Kazakhstani feminists held two solitary pickets in front of the Kazakh National Theater of Opera and Ballet named after Abay with a demand to the city authorities to allow the Women’s March scheduled for March 8[94].

February 23, Almaty, Makhanbayev Kosay, Article 272, Part 2, Article 269, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the RK, who is currently under house arrest on the case of the January events, was withdrawn from the election to the Maslikhat “to avoid pressure on the investigation”. Such demand came to the Territorial Election Commission (TEC) from the procedural prosecutor; as a result, the registration of K. Makhanbaev’s candidacy was cancelled before the beginning of campaigning[95].

February 23, Almaty, Matayev Seitkazy, Chairman of the Board of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan, considers that journalists require a special status and that there should be severe punishment for violations of freedom of speech[96].

February 24, Astana, Zhylanbaev M. and Dzhakhin A., Article 102 of the Administrative Offences Code of the RK: the Administrative Court fined them 51,750 tenge. They were charged with “Conducting election campaigning during the period of its prohibition”[97].

February 24, Karaganda, Aitmaganbetov Zh., Article 102 of the Administrative Offences Code of the RK “Conducting election campaigning during the period of its prohibition”. A candidate for deputy was fined by the Administrative Court in the amount of 51,750 tenge [98].

February 24, Astana, police detained Alkhasov Artur, an employee of the Bureau of Human Rights in the capital, who should have picketed the Russian embassy on the occasion of the anniversary of the beginning of the war. They also detained two human rights defenders from the “Yerkindik Kanaty” who went to look for him. He was kept in police custody for about 1 hour and later released[99].

February 24, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urges Kazakhstani authorities to “thoroughly investigate a fresh wave of attacks on independent journalists and ensure that all involved are held to account”[100].

February 24, Almaty, the akimat did not give permission to Imanbai I. to hold a picket in support of Ukraine on the occasion of the anniversary of the Russian invasion. It was indicated in the response signed by the akim of the city Dosayev E., that the notice to hold the action has been sent 4 days before the scheduled date, and not 5 days, as it should be[101].

February 24, Astana, the information resource Masa Media stated that their SMM editor, Aidar Alkeev, was detained at an action in support of Ukraine outside the Russian embassy[102].

February 24, Astana, journalist Sultan-Khan Akkul-uly was withdrawn from the elections to the Majilis because he did not register some of his property, which belongs to him according to the registers of state-owned property[103].

February 26, Taldykorgan, brother of Almas Mukashev, who died during the #QANTAR2022 events, demands punishment for law enforcement officers responsible for his brother’s death. On January 4, 2022, Almas, 43 years old, joined a peaceful march in Taldykorgan against the drastic increase in gas prices. On January 13, Almas’s body was found in the morgue. There was not a single living place on his body[104].

February 26, Almaty, Tulesova Asiya, who ran for the Maslikhat of Almaty, informs that she was not admitted to the elections according to the decision of the District Election Commission. However, the candidate was not provided with the protocol of this decision[105].

February 27, Almaty, Tleuzhan Aigerim, won a lawsuit in the Supreme Court against District Election Commission No. 3, which had earlier denied registering her as a candidate for the Majilis. The Supreme Court granted her claim, stating that “there are no obstacles for her participation in the elections as a candidate for deputies of the Majilis”[106].

February 27, Almaty, Imanbai I., who has become a candidate for the Majilis, informed that she has been summoned to the police for “incitement of interethnic hatred”. The summons came several days after she held a solitary picket on February 24 at the premises of the Kazakhstan Bureau for Human Rights in Almaty[107].

February 28, Astana, Muratbek Tolegen, in accordance with Articles 667 and 653 of the Administrative Offences Code of the RK for violation of public order and preventing the announcement of the verdict in the case of Abzhan M., was invited to the Interdistrict Criminal Court of Astana to draw up an administrative report [108].

February 28, Almaty, the investigating court ordered a preventive measure in the form of detention for a period of two months, i.e., until April 22, against Tokarev O., who is suspected of coordinating attacks on journalists, in accordance with articles 115, 147, 158, 202, 293 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. [109].

February 28, Almaty, the specialist court declared illegal the protocol decision to cancel the registration of candidate Makhanbaev Kosaya for the Almaty Maslikhat and cancelled it, and so now he is a candidate again [110].

February 28, Almaty, Imangalieva Bibigul: on the way out of the store, police officers detained her without giving any reasons and took her to the district prosecutor’s office for familiarization with the materials of the administrative case that she allegedly started election campaigning in the period of prohibition from February 10, 2023[111].

February 28, Astana, Akimat did not give permission to Sembay Askar to hold a peaceful protest on March 4, 2023. Subject: No creation of visa-free regime with China. The reason for the refusal was that “incomplete data were provided”[112].

February 28, Almaty, Tleuzhan Aigerim was detained by the police immediately after the presentation of her certificate as a candidate for the Majilis. Police officers came to the District election commission and reported violation of house arrest. The police officers replied that they would take her “home, because she should be under house arrest”[113].

February 28, Almaty, Yusupzhanov Ilyas: District Election Commission No. 7 informed the candidate for deputy to the city Maslikhat about his withdrawal from the election because he did not indicate the intellectual property in the declaration. He is the author of 4 books[114].

February 28, Almaty, according to the candidates for deputy, members of the Alliance of Independent Candidates of Almaty “DERBES DEPUTAT” are being withdrawn from elections under various pretexts[115].

February 28, Shymkent, Niyazbekova Sharipa, mother of Amirov Yerulan, political prisoner, Article 174, Part 1, Article 256, Part 1, Article 405, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years of imprisonment, appeals to the governments of the USA, the European Union, Canada, the UK and other countries with a request to help and assist in the release of her son[116].

[1] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/kazakhstan-aktobe-qantar-judgment-of-eighteen-people/32252967.html

[2] https://ulysmedia.kz/news/12185-ia-khochu-zabyt-i-nichego-ne-vspominat-13-detei-podvergalis-pytkam-posle-ianvarskikh-sobytii/

[3] https://bureau.kz/novosti/kantar-sorval-masku/

[4] http://www.adilsoz.kz/news/show/id/3935

[5] http://www.adilsoz.kz/news/show/id/3940

[6] https://bureau.kz/novosti/beznadzornoe-bezzakonie/

[7] http://www.adilsoz.kz/news/show/id/3942

[8] https://t.me/AdalSotKz/1075

[9] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/32252670.html

[10] https://kaztag.kz/ru/news/posolstvo-kanady-v-astane-provelo-vstrechu-v-podderzhku-nezavisimykh-zhurnalistov

[11] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/kazakhstan-bloody-january-taraz-isatay-donbayev/32253568.html

[12]https://www.facebook.com/toregozhina/posts/pfbid0QX8R51jtCzy2Dy316s3eeFAjyoAkiZPs13Ad5tWaeT7x9QX1gmzq4mNd5Q5MsJkul