MONITORING OF POLITICAL PERSECUTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN FROM June 1 to June 30, 2023.

June 1, Almaty, the military court of the Almaty garrison: an incident has occurred on violation of the rights of journalists who are covering the trial. A. Zhumanov, a representative of the victim, snatched a cell phone from the journalist’s hands and threw a video camera on the floor. Later, in the courthouse corridor, he demanded in an aggressive manner from the journalist to stop recording. Also Zhumanov A. hurt the finger and broke the equipment of the second journalist[1].

June 1, Almaty, the city prosecutor’s office has issued an apology for the unjustified criminal prosecution of 37-year-old Abdreshov Yermek, who was injured, subjected to torture, and lost his eyesight during the January events[2].

June 1, Karaganda, the police took Zvereva Saniya to the South-Eastern police department in Karaganda for an administrative offence report. Later, she reported that she would be taken to court[3].

June 1, Aktobe, after a year and a half the prosecutor’s office and the police recognized as victims the parents of Zhubanazarov R. who was shot dead during the January events[4].

June 1, Almaty, overview of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receipt and dissemination of information from May 25 to June 1, 2023[5].

June 2, Semey, Sultanbekov K., Article 272, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK: the court sentenced him to 3 years, 2 months and 20 days of imprisonment for participating in #Qantar2022. Taking into account the time he spent in pre-trial detention, under house arrest and on his own recognizance not to leave, the convict’s sentence was found to have been served[6].

June 2, Taraz, Kanatov N., an activist, applied with a letter to the president of Kazakhstan Tokayev K. In his letter he pointed out the injustice and provocations in relation to him by the law enforcement bodies[7].

June 2, Almaty region, Zarechnyi settlement, Narymbaev E., Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 3 years of imprisonment. Narymbaev E. addressed the Prosecutor General of Kazakhstan with the following statement – “Due to the fact that according to Article 72 of the Criminal Code of the RK I may be granted parole by the court, I will actively participate in unmasking extremists and terrorists, which I am happy to do hereby”. He also stated about abuses and repressions from the top management[8].

June 2, Almaty region, Otegen Batyr settlement, Mukhametkarim Duman, Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, 25 days of arrest: it was reported by his companions that he declared a hunger strike. They added that his father was also going to do the same the next day[9].

June 3, Almaty region, Otegen Batyr settlement, Tlepov Almaz, the father of the journalist, stated that he would start a hunger strike. He considers his son’s arrest for 25 days to be groundless, and adds that Mukhametkarim D. did not call anyone to go out to the rally[10].

June 3, Karaganda, S. Zvereva, Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, the court sentenced her to 5 days of arrest for holding a picket outside the building of the regional court. She had been picketing the court building on June 1 and 2. The woman had been protesting against the “inaction of judicial bodies” in relation to the “prematurely enforced the judgment”.[11].

June 5, in Kazakhstan, arrests of civil activists have become more frequent. Activists are being detained for actions they held several months ago, or even for their stated intentions to publicly criticize the authorities. Human rights activists and political analysts link this to the next stage of “tightening the screws”. They see a “trace of the Kremlin” in the repressive actions of Akorda and predict that Kazakhstan will enter a stage of “sluggish repression”[12].

June 5, Uralsk, L. Akhmedyarov considers the increased pressure on the active civic society of Kazakhstan as an attempt by the authorities to tamp down the protest moods and to deal with the opinion leaders. “In the foreseeable future repressive measures will be primarily taken in three areas: freedom of speech, human rights and elections”[13].

June 5, Almaty, “The actions of Kazakhstani authorities look as if they are trying to suppress new figures emerging in the field of civic activity and to thoroughly cleanse this protest field in the country” — says Grishin A. from the Kazakhstan Bureau for Human Rights[14].

June 5, Almaty, human rights defenders Toregozhina B. and Zhovtis Y. presented their book “Shoot to kill…”, where they documented human rights violations during the Kantar. During the press conference at the Kazakhstan Press Club the purpose of the report and the history of its creation were discussed. Human rights defenders referred to the need for a hybrid international investigation into the January events[15].

June 5, Almaty, according to the 67-page «Shoot to Kill» report…, a total of 600 Qantar-related cases were documented, including 579 cases based on the testimony of citizens, nine cases based on correspondence with government authorities, and 12 cases based on specific events. 217 people were identified as dead, of whom 174 were documented (95 percent of them, according to morgue certificates, had gunshot wounds) from nine cities: Almaty, Taldykorgan, Shymkent, Taraz, Aktobe, Kyzylorda, Semey, Oskemen, and Atyrau[16].

June 6, Astana, the General Prosecutor’s Office of Kazakhstan stated that 39 law enforcement officers are currently being prosecuted for “using unauthorized methods of investigation”, which has affected 88 Kazakhstani citizens. 900 inoperative video cameras in police buildings and Criminal Executive System Committee (KUIS) offices have been detected. 5,812 precincts and premises were not covered by video surveillance system at all[17].

June 6, Petropavlovsk, the akimat of the city did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on June 8 and 9, 2023 Shirobokova O. Subject of the protest: Freedom for political prisoners, including freedom for Zhylanbayev M., to register the party “Alga, Kazakhstan!”. Reason for refusal: Earlier approved cultural and mass events”[18].

June 6, Almaty, akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on June 8 and 9, 2023 to Imangaliyeva B. Subject of the protest: Freedom for political prisoners, including freedom for Zhylanbayev M., to register the party “Alga, Kazakhstan!”. Reason for refusal: Earlier approved cultural and mass events”[19].

June 6, Astana akimat did not give permission to Nugmanov M. Subject of the protest: Freedom to political prisoners, including freedom to Zhylanbayev M., to register the party “Alga, Kazakhstan! Reason for refusal: Earlier approved cultural and mass events”[20].

June 7, Astana, Bakhytov D., Deputy Head of the Anti-Corruption Service of Astana, lodged a complaint against the lawyer Zhubatova D. Anti-Corruption Service demands to revoke the lawyer’s license. “In his complaint Bakhytov D. states that the goal of my rally was to discredit the activities of the Anti-Corruption Service and to shape a negative public opinion”. The authorized rally took place in Astana on May 12. Its organizers were the lawyer and family members[21].

June 7, Almaty, Almaly district court, verdict on the death of Anafiyayev Zh. Two people, namely, Yelubekov A. and Shynzhyrbaev M. were sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment each under Article 146, Part 3/4 of the Criminal Code of the RK, Ibragimov Z. was sentenced to 9 years of prison, Torybaev N., Azimbekov A. and Zhakypbaev B. — to 8 years’ imprisonment, Miradilov A. — to 5 years’ imprisonment (he was found guilty only of “inactivity in the service”). All of them were prohibited from working in the civil service for three years. The convicts also have to jointly pay 20 million tenge for moral damages to the sister and wife of Anafiyayev Zh.[22].

June 7, Atyrau, Vertinskaya Olesya picketed the court in Atyrau against the judges who violate the laws and her rights and take part in putting pressure on O. Vertinskaya, who suffered from torture, attacks and trials[23].

June 8, Astana, in the day of the announced peaceful protests on the subject: “To release all political prisoners and M. Zhylanbaev, to register the opposition party ‘Alga, Kazakhstan!’” police officers illegally detained Nugmanov M. and E. Bekzadina, members of the initiative group “Alga, Kazakhstan!”[24].

June 8, Ust-Kamenogorsk, relatives of the top managers of the “Bipek-Auto — Asia-Auto” group of companies, against whom an investigation on “embezzlement of funds” is being conducted, told at a rally that their relatives have been subjected to torture in custody[25].

June 8, Kostanay, Judge Kankulova B., who has violated the law “On Mass Media” and has become the “heroine” of the Adil Soz Legal Review, was subjected to a public censure for removing the operator “TobolInfo” from the courtroom. She stated that “journalists may attend court as listeners, but they have no right to publish anything about the court proceedings”[26].

June 8, Almaty region, Kaskelen city, K. Klyshev, Article 405, Part 1/2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 5 years of probation; K. Klyshev, who had been released from the colony in the past, was returned back to the colony. The court made such a decision because he violated the terms of probation. The court considered it a violation for leaving the city of Almaty on May 1 without notification and for posting on social networks. It is reported that the remainder of his term — 1.5 years Klyshev K. would spend in detention[27].

June 8, Astana, on the day of the announced peaceful rally, some unidentified people in civilian clothes, not showing any documents and without introducing themselves, made an attempt to illegally detain Syzdykov A. They did not provide any explanations. Also, these people wanted to take the phone from the pregnant wife of Syzdykov A.[28]

8 June, Astana, Tamabayeva G. was detained on the day of the announced peaceful rally. She was kept in the police station for more than 7 hours. Only after repeated requests in connection with a sharp deterioration of her health, she was called an ambulance.[29].

June 8, Astana, on the day of the announced peaceful rally, Zhanbaeva V. was detained by police officers at her workplace. She was kept in the police department for more than 13 hours. At the moment of detention she was given a summons in a criminal case under Article 405, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK (“participation in an extremist organization”) for questioning[30].

June 8, Astana, Dzhakhin A.; on the day of the announced peaceful rally, police officers illegally stopped the activist’s car and demanded to come with them. The police officers did not react to Dzhakhin A.’s statement that he had not violated any law. They threatened to call a tow truck in order to detain him and bring him together with his car to the police[31].

On June 8, Astana, on the day of the announced peaceful rally, police officers illegally detained activist Abdurakhmonov Alisher[32].

June 8, Astana, on the day of the announced peaceful rally, the police illegally detained Tusbekov S. and Tursunov B. For more than 6 hours they were held at the police station. A police officer snatched the phone out of the hands of Tursunov B. and broke the camera of the phone[33].

June 8, Almaty, on the day of the announced peaceful rally, the police illegally detained K. Kulmanova, B. Akhmedov, B. Imangalieva. B. Imangalieva was running a live broadcast, which was interrupted at the moment of her detention due to the fact that police officers took away her phone[34].

June 8, Almaty, on the day of the announced peaceful rally, the police illegally detained Abishev A. when he was leaving his house. Abishev was running a live broadcast, which was interrupted at the moment of his detention due to the fact that police officers took away his phone [35].

June 8, Almaty, list of detained activists of «Alga, Kazakhstan!». On June 8, 2023 rallies were announced across Kazakhstan with the following subject: Freedom for political prisoners, including freedom for Zhylanbayev M. and to register the party «Alga, Kazakhstan!”[36].

June 8, Almaty, overview of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receipt and dissemination of information from June 01 to June 08, 2023[37].

June 8, Mangistau Region, Zhanaozen, former employees of the “BerAli Mangistau Company” oil service company, who are still continuing a two-month protest outside the “Ozenmunaigas” company office in Zhanaozen, claim that negotiations with representatives of the government and the national company “KazMunayGas” are not effective[38].

June 8, Astana, Syzdykov A. states: “I have learned from the district police officer Amirbekov A. that he has initiated administrative proceedings against me under Article 147-1 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK ‘Destruction of Property”’. I consider it as political persecution because of my activities as a human rights defender”[39].

June 9, Almaty, Mukhamedkarim D., a journalist, became a witness entitled to protection in a criminal case under Article 258, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of the RK “Financing of extremism”. The case is being merged with the case that was opened before under Article 405 of the Criminal Code of the RK. The main investigation will proceed under Article 258, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan[40].

June 9, Akmola Oblast, Bestobe settlement, dozens of employees of the Altynalmaz gold mining company have been protesting for the third day in a row. Some of the protesters stayed overnight on the street outside the local House of Culture. The authorities asked them to leave the House of Culture, where they had previously stayed while waiting for a solution to their demands[41].

June 9, Astana, “All believe that this is a political order. We were getting ready for the press conference today at 15:00 we didn’t indicate the address, and only at 12:00 we sent out an announcement. It was planned that Duisenova G., Altayev N.’s lawyer, would speak at the press conference and tell everything from Altayev N.’s words. She would tell us why everything happened this way. At the last moment she was summoned to the Anti-Corruption Agency. She was told to come at 2.30 pm. We think that this is all done specifically on purpose, but we can’t say for sure”, — says lawyer Ermakhanov N.[42].

June 9, Astana, supporters of arrested politician Altayev N., a member of the unregistered party “El Tiregi”, came out in support of him. They think that he has suffered because of his intransigence with the authorities and his presidential ambitions[43].

June 9, Aktobe, the regional administrative court announced the decision on the claim of human rights defender Dauylov Musagali to recognize the decision of the State Institution “Apparatus of Akim of Aktobe” on the refusal to hold solitary pickets as unlawful. The court refused[44].

June 10, Almaty, the bill on the return of assets illegally taken abroad was discussed at a meeting of the “People’s Parliament”[45].

June 10, Almaty, participants of the meeting of the “People’s Parliament” state that if the document is adopted in its current version, the return of assets will look like a capital amnesty campaign[46].

June 12, Astana, Aruzhan Sain, Children’s Rights Ombudsman in the Republic of Kazakhstan, was dismissed from her position. In the words of her assistant she hindered too many officials — incompetent, lazy, and thievish[47].

12 June, Astana, the charge of committing a crime under Article 258, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the RK is based on the fact that M. Zhylanbaev, allegedly on the instructions of Ablyazov M. and Tleuliev Z. in the interests of DCK and in order to implement the extremist objectives, began the collection of funds[48].

June 12, Almaty region, Otegen Batyr settlement, Mukhametkarim D., Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who was arrested for 25 days, ended his hunger strike. Lawyer Nurpeisov G. reported that the health condition of Mukhametkarim D. worsened, during the weekend he was twice visited by ambulance[49].

June 12, Almaty, the famous lawyers Adam M., Umarova A., Kerimova R. and Zhigalenok E. brought a case before the court against the Akimat of Almaty for the refusal to hold a meeting. The lawyers also ask the court to oblige the Akim, the Akimat of Almaty and the municipal public institution “Public Development Department” to provide them with a place to hold a peaceful assembly in the form of a rally[50].

June 13, Shymkent, the Criminal Court considered and dismissed the complaint of Zharkynbek Seitinbek, who was an independent observer in the extraordinary presidential election held on 20 November 2022. He brought a lawsuit against the chairperson of polling station No. 227 Kurmanbekova G., claiming that she “obstructed the work of the observer”. The court came to the conclusion that the actions of Kurmanbekova G. do not constitute a crime[51].

June 13, Akmola oblast, Bestobe settlement, environmental activist Katchiev N. was unlawfully detained by the authorities. The authorities persecute Katchiev N. for his fight for the environment in the settlement, close to where the Kazakhaltyn Gold Mining Company operates[52].

June 13, Kostanay, Aligazina Anel submitted a notification for holding a picket in the central park. Theme of the picket: Against the arrival of the President of Russia Putin B. to Kostanay. Aligazina A. twice submitted a notification to the akimat for holding a solitary picket in support of the activists. Both times she received a refusal from the akimat. Now the activist is going to file a lawsuit[53].

June 14, Astana, relatives who lost their loved ones during the events #Qantar2022 came to see the Prosecutor General of Kazakhstan. They could not meet with B. Asylov. Parents who buried their children consider that there was no proper and objective investigation of the cases[54].

June 14, Astana, Deputy Prosecutor General Umiraliev Zh. stated that the criminal case on the death of 4-year-old Meldekhan Aykorkem during #Qantar2022 has been completed and would be sent to court[55].

June 14, Akmola region, Stepnogorsk city, the court sentenced Baisov K. and Esmaganbetov K. to 10 days of arrest under Article 488, Part 7 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for the fact that they urged residents of Bestobe to hold a meeting and did not notify the akimat about it. In March of this year Baisov K. was elected as a deputy of Stepnogorsk city Maslikhat[56].

June 14, Akmola region, Bestobe settlement, public representatives and local residents demanded cancellation of the decision of the city court against Baisov K. and Esmaganbetov K. regarding the arrest for 15 days and expressed their disagreement[57].

June 14, Almaty, Ilipbaev A., Article 272, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the RK, one of the 7 arrested, who are suspected in “coup d’etat”, was transferred to house arrest for the period of investigation[58].

June 15, Almaty, overview of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receipt and dissemination of information from June 08 to June 15, 2023[59].

June 15, Shymkent, relatives of the victims of #Qantar2022 appealed to the Prosecutor’s Office with a demand to provide social assistance in the amount of 5 million tenge. The participants were received by the city prosecutor, who asked for two weeks for providing a response. [60].

June 15, Semey, City Court No. 2 delivered a verdict to two police officers Akylbekova A. and Anuarbekov K. in the case of the death of Kaliev E., who died in the TDF after his detention during the events #Qantar2022. They were sentenced to 3 years of restriction of liberty each under Article 371 of the Criminal Code of the RK “negligence”[61].

June 16, Akmla region, Arshaly district, Abzhan M., Aricle 194, Part 2, Article 274, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 9 years of imprisonment. Abzhan M. was convicted by a sentence of February 3, 2023 to serve his sentence in an institution of emergency security. Under the new law, the type of institution has been changed to a «maximum security institution»[62].

June 16, Ust-Kamenogorsk, two pensioners Tarasov Vladimir and Tarasova Valentina were harshly detained near the university building, where voting for the new akim of the region was taking place. There were two posters with them, “They killed our son Grigory” and “Who cut out our son’s kidney”. Both of them were taken to the Department of Internal Affairs, where, after being held for three hours, they were released without any protocols being drawn up[63].

June 17, Georgia, Smailova D., the Head of the Foundation “NeMolchy.kz”, stated that she had been subjected to illegal prosecution for several years under Article 274, Part 2, Article 145, Part 5 of the Criminal Code of the RK. She said that she was ready to appeal to the Anti-Corruption Committee regarding the unlawful initiation of criminal proceedings against her. Smailova D. assumes that she is being accused of the fact that currently she lives in Georgia and from there she leads work to help victims of violence[64].

June 19, Almaty, Esengazy Kuandyk, Article 489 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, was fined 172500 thousand tenge for taking part in a meeting of the unregistered organization “People’s Parliament”, which was established to protest against the results of the 2023 parliamentary elections[65].

June 19, Almaty, activists of the protest art movement Qazaq Koktemi set up a memorial “Shyndyk” in the center of Almaty. There are images of K. Tokayev and N. Nazarbayev’s faces on the memorial, and the names of deceased opposition politicians and activists are written between them, with references to corruption, repression and other events that were tragic for the country[66].

19 June, Almaty, “There should be no place for old habits in the New Kazakhstan, and there should be no place for provisions restricting freedom of speech in the draft law ‘On Mass Media’. Deputies with the support of the media and human rights community are perfectly capable of making changes to the draft law that will make it truly effective, democratic and for the benefit of society”, — addressed to the deputies the President of the “Adil Soz” Foundation K. Dzhamankulova[67].

June 19, Almaty, The introduction of a press card, one of the innovations of the draft law “On Mass Media” may lead to discrimination against journalists, believes Smakov D., Deputy Director of the International Center for Journalism “MediaNet”[68].

June 20, Almaty, «In general, there is no any evidence, except the testimony of witnesses. I consider this case as political persecution and political order», — this is what the activist Tleuzhanova A. said while being interrogated in the court on the airport seizure case[69].

June 20, Astana, Makin D., Article 256 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years of imprisonment; the City Court affirmed the decision of the court of first instance in relation to the artist. The court dismissed Makin D.’s appeal[70].

June 20, Almaty, Alatau district police sentenced Bekzat Maksutkhan, the head of the unregistered organization “Atazhurt” to a fine of 172500 tenge under Article 489 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for taking part in the activities of unregistered public and religious associations[71].

June 20, Astana, the Majilis endorsed a draft law that would regulate the blogosphere. If it is approved by the Senate and signed by the president, popular users of social networks will be required to pay taxes on revenues received from advertising on their resources, blogs and social networks, they will be obliged to mark such advertising; they will be responsible for the content posted and to keep an official accounting[72].

June 20, Astana, Kazakhstani human rights defenders particularly point out the fact that the law on online platforms is being passed in haste. Actually, we are talking about a “fake news law” based on the Russian model: once it is passed, every blogger could be subjected to administrative liability for spreading false information[73].

June 20, Zhetysu region, Kerbulak district, activist Akylbai Bakytkhan, Article 488, Part 6 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, a fine in the amount of 72,450 tenge for participating in an unauthorized rally on April 9, 2023[74].

On June 21, Semey city, the sentence in the case of Zh. Zhotabaev (posthumously, torture) was read out in the court № 2; the defendant is paramedic Toleubekova G., Article 317 of the Criminal Code of the RK (improper performance of professional duties by a medical worker). The court found her guilty and sentenced her to 1 year of imprisonment with the application of Article 63 of the Criminal Code of the RK. The sentence imposed should be considered conditional. At the suit of the victim the court charged Toleubekova G. 500 thousand tenge for moral damages[75].

June 21, Almaty, list of persons fined under Article 489 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for participating in a meeting of the unregistered “People’s Parliament”. [76].

June 22, Almaty, overview of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receipt and dissemination of information from June 15 to June 22, 2023[77].

June 22, Almaty region, Otegen Batyr settlement, Mukhametkarim D.: supporters of Mukhametkarim D. gathered outside the police building on the day of his scheduled release, after 25 days of arrest. However, after the scheduled time of release, which was 11:30 a.m., the journalist was not released[78].

June 22, Almaty, Mukhametkarim D, Articles 258, 405 of the Criminal Code of the RK was arrested for two months. On June 22, immediately after the end of his 25 days of administrative arrest, he was detained. He was found to be a suspect under the articles “financing of extremism” and “participation in a prohibited organization”. At 23:00 Mukhametkarim D. had already been escorted to the Taldykorgan pre-trial detention facility[79].

On 22 June, in Almaty, the police detained Temirgaliev A., an activist of the “OYAN Kazakhstan!” movement. The activist was transported to the police department of Bostandyk district. He was released after 4 hours and warned about a possible administrative case[80].

June 23, Astana, the General Prosecutor’s Office reports that over six months, cases of torture against 35 members of the security forces have been sent to court. 17 security officers were convicted. The Prosecutor’s Office notes that a methodology for investigating torture cases was developed according to the standards of the Istanbul Protocol[81].

On 23 June, Kokshetau, an activist was detained for raising sensitive issues of the region and criticizing the local authorities. The police suspected 40-year-old Akhmetkaliev M. for “illegal possession of drugs” under Article 296, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of RK. Residents of Kokshetau consider the detention of the activist to be politically motivated[82].

June 25, Almaty, Bersalimov A. and Makeshov D., Article 488, Part 7 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, were sentenced to 15 days of arrest each. Police officers detained and arrested activists of an initiative group that was going to hold a rally for legalization of private cars with foreign license plates, but they postponed their action for a later time. The police attributed the detention to the strengthening of security measures in Kazakhstan in connection with the Prigozhin rebellion in Russia[83].

June 26, on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, the NGO Coalitions against Torture in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights, and the Association for Human Rights in Central Asia urged the governments of the Central Asian former Soviet republics to take immediate measures for the eradication of the continuing practice of torture[84].

June 26, the authors point out that almost 1.5 years after the events #Qantar2022 in Kazakhstan, the country’s authorities have not taken any real measures to objectively and thoroughly investigate the events and hold the perpetrators of human rights violations accountable[85].

June 26, Almaty, Yeginbaev D., Article 451, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK: the military court of the Almaty garrison sentenced to 7 years in prison the soldier, who is accused of exceeding his authority after the death of the Seitkulov family during the events #Qantar2022[86].

June 26, Almaty, in response to six notifications from Abishev A. and Imangalieva B akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023. Topic: In support of Ukraine. For a just peace. Reason for refusal: Threat of violation of public security when holding a peaceful assembly on this topic[87].

June 26, Petropavlovsk, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to 2 notifications from Shirobokova O. Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. Reason for refusal: Earlier approved events[88].

June 26, Astana, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to notification from activist Nugmanov M. Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. Reason for refusal: Provision of incomplete information[89].

June 26, Kostanay, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to notification from activist Sand-Akhmet S.K. . Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. The reason for the politically motivated refusal: Provision of incomplete information[90].

June 26, Petropavlovsk, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to 2 notifications from activist Izmailov S. Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. Reason for refusal: previously approved events[91].

June 26, Kokshetau, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to 3 notifications from activist Amrenov K. M. Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. Reason for refusal: earlier approved cultural and mass events[92].

June 26, Kokshetau, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to 3 notifications from activist Zhusupova N.U. Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. Reason for refusal: earlier approved cultural and mass events[93].

June 26, Astana, Sembay A., Article 405 of the Criminal Code of the RK, arrest until 13 July: during the press conference that was held in his support the lawyer and defense lawyers reported that the activist has been detained on the basis of the police report on the results of “monitoring” of his accounts in social networks[94].

June 26, Semey, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to notification from activist Mubarak D. Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. The reason for the politically motivated refusal: previously approved event[95].

June 26, Astana, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to 6 notifications from activist Dzhakhin A. Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. Reason for refusal: provision of incomplete data[96].

June 27, Ust-Kamenogorsk, administrative court issued a warning to pensioners Tarasov Vladimir and Valentina under Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for attempting to hold a picket with the demand to investigate the death of their son. The court found both pensioners guilty of violating the procedure of organizing and holding peaceful assemblies [97].

June 27, Astana, an appeal of Altayev N., a former deputy of the Majilis of the Parliament, and the current leader of the unregistered party “El Tiregi” was posted on Facebook. In his letter Altayev N. says that there is not a single evidence of allegations of bribe-taking in the case against him and calls the charges politically motivated[98].

June 27, Karaganda, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to 3 notifications from activist Bekzadina E. Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. Reason for refusal: earlier approved event[99].

June 28, Karaganda, journalist Saparkyzy Diana told about the misconduct of the Kazakhstani police. “A policeman swore at me and used force” — reports the journalist[100].

June 28, the World Liberty Congress recognized the arbitrary nature of Zhylanbayev M.’s arrest and demanded justice. “Zhylanbayev M. is an internationally accepted marathon runner; he has participated in the last elections in March 2023 as an independent candidate for deputy of the Parliament of Kazakhstan”[101].

June 29, Semey, the criminal court of the city began the trial in the case of Zhotabaev Zh. who was killed under torture during the events #Qantar2022. Two police officers Kanakynov A. and Agzamov E. are on trial. They are charged under Article 146 of the Criminal Code of the RK “Torture”[102].

June 29, Almaty, Kurentayev Zh.: Medeu district police drew up a report of an administrative offense under Article 489 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, citing his participation in the meeting of the “People’s Parliament” on April 29, 2022. The amount of fine is not specified in the report, but it says that an explanatory conversation was held[103].

On June 29, Almaty, at the press conference Ilyashev A. opined that if the participants of the movement «People’s Parliament» were held administratively liable for “participating in the activities of unregistered association”, then in such case all the participants of the National Kurultai “Adiletti Kazakhstan — Adal Azamat”, which was recently held in Turkestan, should be subject to the same penalties[104].

June 29, Almaty city, at the press-conference Ilyashev A. informed that he has sent to the Prosecutor General’s Office a request to bring to criminal responsibility the State Advisor Karin E. under Article 150 (“Interfering with implementation of election rights by using the official position”), Article 262 (“”Creation and management of organized group, criminal organization, as well as participation in them””), Article 179 («Propaganda or public calls for seizure or retention of power, as well as seizure or retention of power or forcible change of constitutional order of the Republic of Kazakhstan”) of RK Criminal Code[105].

June 29, Almaty, participants of the first and two following meetings of the “People’s Parliament” are prosecuted for participation in an unauthorized rally and for participation in the activities of an unregistered public association. 20 participants of the “People’s Parliament” meetings have already been fined under Articles 488 and 489 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan[106].

June 29, Almaty, the persecution of the participants of the «People’s Parliament» became the topic of the press conference of the activists of the «People’s Parliament», who not only told about the occurring persecution, but as well shared their plans for establishing a new political movement. Public figures Sarsenbayev R., Nazarova A., Kuketaeva M. and Kurentaev Zh. spoke at the press conference[107].

29 June, Almaty, Mamay Zh, Articles 378, 272, 274 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 6 years of restriction of liberty; the court of appeal left unchanged the sentence against the leader of the unregistered Democratic Party of Kazakhstan[108].

June 29, Taraz, the court of appeal started to consider complaints on the case of 9 people who were sentenced under Articles 272, 255 of the Criminal Code of the RK to different prison terms from 2 to 16 years in connection with the events #Qantar2022. The convicts have not been delivered to the courtroom, the court has not connected them to the online proceedings. In this regard, the lawyers of the convicts and their relatives have expressed to the court their disagreement[109].

June 29, Almaty, the case on the death of 4-year-old Meldekhan Aikorkem, who was shot dead during the events #Qantar2022, has been sent to court. Investigators are going to prosecute the suspect on charges of “abuse of power”[110].

June 29, Astana, the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan has approved a package of laws “On online platforms and online advertising”, “On Introduction of Amendments and Additions to Some Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Online Platforms and Online Advertising” and “On Introduction of Amendments and Additions to the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan”[111].

June 29, Almaty, in Almaty Criminal Court interrogation of the defendants charged under article 272, Part 2, Article 269, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the RK and airport seizure during the events #Qantar2022 was completed; in 3 months 41 witnesses were questioned in the court [112].

June 29, Kostanay, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to 3 notifications from activist Smakova A. Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. Reason for refusal: Repair work[113].

June 29, Aktobe, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to notification from activist Kuzhakhmetov S. Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. The reason for the politically motivated refusal: Earlier approved event, the topic of the rally “may have an adverse effect on interethnic harmony, which leads to a threat to public order”[114].

June 29, akimats in the cities of Petropavlovsk, Kokshetau, Uralsk, and other cities did not give permission to activists to hold rallies in support of Ukraine, which had been scheduled for July 2. Activists had planned to hold an anti-war rally for the 500th day since the start of the Russian invasion[115].

June 30, the Astana city Akimat, similar to other regions, also did not give permission to activists to hold a rally dedicated to the 500th day since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the briefing, Zhenis Kasymbek, Akim of Astana, when asked about the reasons for the refusal, said that it was «the first time he had heard» that the Akimat had refused to hold the rally[116].

June 30, Shymkent, the city Akimat did not give permission to hold a peaceful protest on July 2, 2023 in response to 6 notifications from activists Sersenova Zh. and Sauyrbaev B. Subject: “In support of Ukraine. For a just peace”. Reason for refusal: Providing incorrect data, the full regulations for holding a peaceful assembly were not indicated[117].

June 30, Almaty, the Military Court of the Almaty garrison, Prosecutor Dzhetybaev A. reports that during the events of #Qantar2022, 200 servicemen armed with Kalashnikov rifles and 158 thousand rounds of ammunition arrived from the military unit No. 18404 to the city of Almaty. The prosecutor has asked for 7 years of imprisonment for the defendant Muratkhan S. who is accused under Article 451, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK for the murder of Kansseit E.[118].

June 30, Almaty, the list of people persecuted for political reasons was added 7 more people by Kazakhstani human rights activists reports Toregozhina B. after the past meeting of the expert council. The list includes Zhylanbayev M., Sembay A., Bashanov Zh., Altayev N., Kanatov N., Mukhametkarim D. and Danebaev T.[119].

****

[1] https://adilsoz.kz/news/na-sude-v-almaty-predstavitel-poterpevshego-napal-na-zhurnalistov.html

[2] https://tirek.info/wp-admin/post.php?post=32538&action=edit

[3] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/32438820.html

[4] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/32439019.html

[5] https://adilsoz.kz/weekly-monitoring/narusheniya-svobody-slova-v-kazahstane-s-25-maya-po-01-iyunya-2023-god.html

[6] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/32442025.html

[7]https://www.facebook.com/toregozhina/posts/pfbid0eun9n3i9peptyHJZbQvTJoLgMqegVwCCqjXxKMMr4jvuvQveP6rgNkDDwTLZp6sZl

[8]https://www.facebook.com/YermekNarymbai/posts/pfbid02QAmmmNdY2YDjCbJdhKB3vAPLAVksxqB8E1hzvhjbE1aFannTs3SLoTa1MJ9Li5c9l

[9] https://ulysmedia.kz/news/16801-arestovannyi-duman-mukhametkarim-obiavil-golodovku/

[10] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/32442847.html

[11] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/32443764.html

[12] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/32444147.html