MONITORING OF POLITICAL PERSECUTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN from 1 to JUNE 3O, 2025

June 1, Shymkent, men were still being caught in bazaars and on the streets to be drafted into the army. Citizens are outraged that, in the digital age, future conscripts are being rounded up like “stray dogs”[1].

June 1, Taraz, residents of city voiced their discontent regarding the quality of their social housing. They alleged that repairs had been made with numerous shortcomings, that some engineering communications had not been connected, and that there was no playground or parking lot in the courtyard of the house[2].

June 2, Almaty, human rights defender B. Toregozhina reported that cinemas had refused to show her the film Marathoner, which was made by Azattyk and is about M. Zhylanbaev. She says she has been trying to negotiate for more than a month, but has not been successful. “They initially agree, but the next day they inform me that their superiors say the movie doesn’t align with the theme”, she stated[3].

June 2, East Kazakhstan Region, the Ulan District Court ruled that R. Nurkanov was guilty of spreading false information about torture in Institution No. 73 on the TikTok network, in violation of Article 456-2 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK. Nurkanov was detained in this institution for a month and a half following the January 2022 events. As a result, the court sentenced him to a fine of 78,640 tenge[4].

June 2, Astana, Majilis of Parliament, MP T. Savelyeva said that official statistics in Kazakhstan are distorted and do not serve as a reference point. She noted that official and departmental statistics are not integrated and often contradict each other. For example, the number of livestock is falsified (almost 5 million heads)[5].

June 2, Karaganda, residents of 15th microdistrict appealed to President K. Tokayev, demanding a ban on the construction of a supermarket in a green zone. They demanded that the land be returned to the citizens and that the trees be save[6].

June 3, a group of activists met with the newly appointed Akim, D. Satybaldy, in Almaty to voice their demands and draw attention to the city’s pressing concerns. A memorandum and a petition summarizing the city’s current problems will be published on the website ePetition.kz, according to the participants of the meeting[7].

June 4, Almaty, the case of journalist O. Gusev. Law enforcement agencies viewed the publication of information from the Supreme Court’s website as a criminal act. Despite the fact that the Constitution provides for uniform application of laws, state bodies are allowed to publish the same information, but journalists are not allowed to publish it[8].

June 4, Astana, a Nazarbayev University student was taken to the army. According to his relatives, he was detained on the street and taken in an unknown direction. He had been offered a bachelor’s degree program, but the military commission refused to recognize it [9].

June 4, Aktobe, the Supreme Court ruled that the refusal to pay termination benefits to four former Aktobe Civil Registry Department (CRD) employees who were fired due to the institution’s liquidation was illegal[10].

June 4, Almaty, lawyer F. Aliyev was accused of defamation for his E-Otinish appeal. He requested an investigation into who receives and uses his personal data and the grounds for doing so. Instead of answering, however, the police came to him and notified him of a protocol for an administrative violation. The administrative court rejected the case because there was not enough evidence to prove the crime[11].

June 4, Astana, Ch. Kurmankhan, a disabled person, went to an appointment with the Vice-Minister of Health, T. Sultangiziev. However, the official refused to see the former orphanage resident. The officials tried to kick a disabled person who came from far away out of the Ministry of Health. Only his stamina helped him get an appointment with another vice minister, E. Nurlybaev[12].

June 5, Astana, the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan condemned the provocation against S. Ibrayeva, the editor-in-chief of Ulysmedia.kz. It was previously reported that a fake page with S. Ibrayeva’s phone number and photos appeared on one of the sites for intimate services[13].

June 5, Montenegro, Podgorica, a court hearing was held to consider Astana’s request to extradite public activist D. Smailova. The court in Montenegro is expected to make a decision within two weeks regarding Kazakhstan’s request for the extradition of the head of the foundation “NeMolchiKZ” [14].

June 5, Astana, the court found agroblogger K. Pavlov guilty under Article 456-2 of the Administrative Offenses Code of the RK for his publications about the locust infestation (“spreading false information”) and fined him 78,640 tenge (approximately $150 USD)[15].

June 5, Ust-Kamenogorsk, the authorities switched to applications from alleged victims under Articles 190 and 194 of the Criminal Code of the RK. I would like to request assistance in reviewing the case fabricated against human rights defender and journalist Anton Knyazev from the East Kazakhstan region”, said A. Pavlov, chairman of the NGO “Dorozhnyi Kontrol”[16].

June 5, Almaty: “I wrote an official appeal to President K. Tokayev. Why? Because it is no longer possible to tolerate the formalism and inaction of state bodies. The E-Otinish system, which was designed to provide direct access to the government, has been transformed by officials into a platform for issuing formal replies. The essence of the appeals is ignored, deadlines are extended, and no one takes responsibility”, stated K. Manenova[17].

June 5, environmental activist S. Tashimova appealed to the president regarding the implementation of the “Almaty Mountain Cluster” project. We ask you to: Ensure that a comprehensive environmental review is conducted and facilitate public discussions about the project with the involvement of the general public, environmental activists, representatives of the tourism industry, and other relevant parties[18].

June 5, Atyrau, two bloggers, aged 33 and 39, were detained on suspicion of extorting 2 million tenge in exchange for not disseminating compromising video material. One of the detained bloggers is Kundyz Idrisova; the name of the second detainee is unknown. Both are now being taken to the temporary detention center of the police department[19].

June 5, the court in the North Kazakhstan region sentenced 35-year-old Zhanslu Darkhambaeva to two years in prison under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the RK for inciting interethnic discord in posts on TikTok. The expert examination found “signs of humiliating citizens of Russian nationality” in the content[20].

June 6, Kostanay, conscript K. Abushayev was detained by police officers after work and forcibly brought to the regional recruitment office. The next day, he was released with a summons to appear at the assembly point on June 9[21].

June 7, Kyzylorda, political prisoner K. Ashirbekov, Article 120 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 6.5 years’ imprisonment. The refusal of the city court No. 2 to release him on parole was upheld by the regional court[22].

June 7, Kostanay, S. Nurakhmetov reported that four people ran up to him and rudely demanded his IIN. They claimed to be from the recruitment office but did not show their documents. Then, one of the men asked to call the police, hit the guy on the arm, called him a “pushover”, and left. Defense officials were accused of abusing their authority, violating human rights, and acting unethically[23].

June 8, Temirtau, residents protested against developers’ plans to build a new supermarket near the museum on the site of a cozy square. Residents are calling on the authorities to reconsider their decision to allocate the land for commercial construction. They are demanding an open public hearing[24].

June 9, Semey, activist Maira Abenova, the chairwoman of the NGO “DOM”, announced her resignation from the “POLIGON 21 Committee” founders. “On the most important issues, our points of view are far apart”, M. Abenova said[25].

June 9, Uralsk, Elvira Yerkebayeva, who is accused of orchestrating the failed contract killing of her husband, continued her dry hunger strike for the third day in a row at the pretrial detention center. “Her condition is critical. She was transferred to the detention center’s punishment cell”, reported her lawyer, T. Sarsenova[26].

June 9, Astana, Polisia.kz reported that a group of 140 people had traded the personal data of Kazakhstani citizens and distributed it through Telegram channels. They also transferred the data to individual collection companies. All of them, including company owners and channel administrators, were detained during the operation[27].

June 9, Kostanay, after a day of sessions, the judge announced the decision to reject Abdirayymov’s petition for conditional early release. The judge believes that there is a formal approach to announcing gratitude in penal institutions, but that there is no correction of the convict[28].

June 9: “We received a letter from chief K.B. Tulakov’s stating that the letters addressed to M. Zhylanbaev were received in accordance with the ‘Law on the Post”. We do not believe Mr. Tulakov, and we will inform you whether Marat receives our newspapers and letters every week only after talking to him. There are too many violations of Marat’s rights in this institution. We also do not know the situation regarding the rats/mice, Skype, the rotted floor, and permission to run and draw”, said B. Toregozhina[29].

June 9, Almaty, KIBHR was contacted by applicant N. N. had to undergo surgery due to a severe cancerous disease. This deprived her of the opportunity to give birth to a child. However, the Code “On Marriage (Matrimony) and Family” clearly states that only married couples in a registered marriage can use the services of a surrogate mother if there are medical indications[30].

June 10, an amendment to the law “About the Prevention of Offenses” was proposed in Astana. The wearing of items of clothing that prevent facial recognition in public places (niqabs, masks, etc.) is to be prohibited by the amendment. The proposal was announced during a Senate working group meeting[31].

June 10, Konaev, the court rejected the appeals against the sentence of 17.01.25 of those convicted of cruel treatment and torture in the special detention center of the village of Koshmambet during Qantar events under Article 146, 362 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Additionally, the victims’ lawyers were denied a review of compensation for those who were tortured[32].

June 10, Aktau, N., a disabled Aktau resident, had a hard time getting home. He is not allowed to drive his car directly to the dormitory in the 35th microdistrict where he lives[33].

June 10, Kostanay, the head of the Department of Education, A. Ibrayeva, was held accountable for more than 180 violations of public service legislation, resulting in a warning for incomplete service compliance. Every fifth violation infringed upon the rights of employees regarding pay, promotion, and social guarantees[34].

June 10, Astana, weapons and equipment stolen during the January 2022 events were seized during the operational and preventive measure “Karu”[35].

June 10, Almaty, Amir Kasenov, the editor-in-chief of the KazTAG news agency, spoke out against the slanderous attacks and attempts at intimidation he has faced following his high-profile publications about the numerous criminal cases and complaints against Freedom Holding Corp. and its founder, T. Turlov[36].

June 11, Turkestan region, a foreign citizen named N. was convicted for distributing extremist materials on social networks in Kazakhstan. “A criminal case was initiated on this fact, and the relevant expertise was appointed. The materials were transferred to the Saryagash District Court. According to the court’s decision, the defendant was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment”[37].

June 11, Almaty, the court refused to issue a private ruling under Article 274, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of the RK against S. Azirbek, the head of the Internal and External Relations Directorate of the Almaty Police Department. This was in regard to her “interview” with the beaten Kyrgyz jazz musician V. Ruzakhunov during the events of January 2022[38].

June 11, Astana, the Interdistrict Court for Civil Cases held a hearing on LLP “Salauatty Astana’s” claim for protection of its honor, dignity, and business reputation. The court refused to grant the claim. Forensic and philological research on June 2, 2025, revealed that the words and speeches of Deputy B. Bazarbek did not contain any negative statements that would tarnish the reputation of the business[39].

June 11, Kazakhstan will hold an amnesty to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its constitution. About 15,000 people will benefit from the amnesty. The Majilis adopted the corresponding law during the plenary session. According to MP A. Kuspan, unlike in 2021, the list of individuals eligible for amnesty has expanded. The amnesty law also applies to 833 women, 109 of whom will be released and 724 of whom will have their terms reduced[40].

June 11, Astana, Deputy Prosecutor General A. Chindaliyev said that the return of amnestied persons to penal institutions is less than 5%, and the Prosecutor General’s Office does not expect an uptick in crime[41].

June 11, Astana, Vice Minister of Internal Affairs A. Kaiyrbekov said that more than 30 repeat offenders in Kazakhstan will fall under amnesty. Currently, the penal system’s institutions house more than 2 thousand convicts who have committed a repeat offense[42].

June 11, Akmola region, Stepnogorsk, M.Zhylanbaev, Articles 405, 258 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 7 years of imprisonment. M. Zhylanbaev informed his lawyer, M. Doskaraev, that he had been on a hunger strike for fifteen days. He began the strike to protest the illegal actions of the colony administration. They confiscated his authorized drawing and turner tools, prohibited him from jogging, and denied him written correspondence and the right to file complaints about his detention conditions [43].

June 11, Almaty, KIBHR held a press conference regarding the torture of Almaty resident A. Zuev by police officers in the Almaly District Police Department and the subsequent inaction of the investigative authorities[44].

June 11, Astana, Information Minister A. Balaeva condemned the pressure on the media: “This is a threat not only to individual journalists, but also to the state”. She called the attacks on the media an attempt to discredit the state[45].

June 11, Astana, the Public Foundation “Legal Media Center” released an open statement regarding the growing number of cases of pressure on independent journalists in Kazakhstan. Specifically, we are referring to the harassment, restrictions, and lawsuits that journalists and bloggers such as G. Bazhkenova, S. Ibrayeva, O. Gusev, K. Pavlov, A. Niyazov, S. Duisenova, and others have faced[46].

June 11, Elina Valtonen, the Finnish Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, met with representatives of Kazakhstan’s civil society to discuss current issues[47].

June 11, Almaty, lawyers expressed concern about a possible threat to Chechen activist M. Movlaev at the Almaty detention center. Russia is demanding his extradition and Movlaev himself is afraid to return to his homeland because of possible reprisals[48].

June 11, Almaty, lawyers M. Adam, E. Zhigalenok, and R. Kerimova reported facing obstruction of their activities by state authorities. According to the lawyers, the prosecutor’s office of the Bostandyk district of Almaty has excluded itself, which has led to a “vicious circle”[49].

June 11, Astana, public activist A. Ismailova declared that the cameras do not fulfill their purpose of ensuring order, as stated by the authorities. Instead, the public activist claims that the authorities use them to punish citizens with all kinds of fines[50].

June 11, Atyrau, the well-known lawyer Zhanna Urazbakhova joined the defense of the convicted blogger and businesswoman Rano Nigmetova. Nigmetova was sentenced to six years and six months of imprisonment on fraud charges under Article 190, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan[51].

June 11, Almaty, harassment, threats, and constant pressure have been endured by journalist and the editor-in-chief of the Internet publication “Orda”, G. Bazhkenova, for six months. People go to the homes of the employees and, pretending to be police officers, ask neighbors questions. They show sketches and say that the journalist is wanted[52].

June 11, Zhambyl region, a court punished a local resident whose teenage son had bullied a younger student. The ninth-grade student bullied him and compelled him to “perform various types of work”. The teenager’s mother pleaded guilty and was fined 27 thousand tenge[53].

June 11, Ulytau region, the Court found three Zhanaarka district police officers guilty of torture under Article 146, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the RK. With the participation of a jury, the court sentenced each of them to five years in a penal colony. On the night of August 14, 2024, the officers beat a detainee in the toilet of the district police station[54].

June 12, Zhezkazgan, the Ulytau Regional Court removed an earlier press release about the sentencing of law enforcement officers for torturing a suspect in a police restroom and refused to provide information[55].

June 12, Zhetysu region, Karatal district, blogger Perlov was convicted of extorting 10 million tenge from a businessman. The court found Perlov guilty under Article 194, Part 3, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK and sentenced him to six years in prison. The civil claim was satisfied in the amount of 350 thousand tenge[56].

June 12, Astana, a meeting of the Advisory and Consultative Body “Dialogue Platform on Human Dimension” under the Kazakhstani Ministry of Foreign Affairs was held. Alternative reports on the observance of human rights in several areas were discussed during the meeting[57].

June 12, Astana, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan signed an agreement with Starlink (a SpaceX subsidiary) on Starlink’s compliance with Kazakhstan’s legislation on providing satellite internet services[58].

June 12, Uralsk, last night, E. Yerkebayeva lost consciousness, prompting the call of an ambulance. The head of the pre-trial detention center and her cellmate persuaded Elvira to stop her hunger strike. She only agreed after they promised her that the prosecutor would come and talk to her[59].

June 12, Astana, the court held a preliminary hearing on A. Ilyashev’s lawsuit. The hearing concerned the legality of the government decree issued on December 30, 2024, which authorized the construction of the NPP in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region. A lawyer says it is dangerous to build an NPP in Ulken[60].

June 12, Atyrau region, Amandyk Mukhtarov, a blogger from the Akkistau village in the Isatai district, used profanity in one of his latest videos published on Instagram and stated that “people live in a cellar”. The court sentenced the blogger to 15 days of arrest under Article 434, Part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK[61].

June 12, Kostanay, the police tried to intimidate S. Sisembayeva by initiating criminal proceedings under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the RK because of her posts about Zh. Darkhambayeva. Representatives of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and the akimat also spoke with her[62].

June 13, Almaty, the Atakent Park Hotel refused to show the film Marafonshy, about M. Zhylanbaev, which was scheduled for June 25th at 3:00 p.m. at the following address: Almaty, 42 Timiryazeva Street. The reason for the refusal was that the Presidential Administration allegedly called and demanded that the show be canceled[63].

June 13, Mangistau region, the authorities want to isolate human rights activist U. Turdieva in a tuberculosis dispensary. She has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)[64].

June 14, Pavlodar region, Zh. Zhamaliev was sentenced to five days of arrest under Article 488, Part 7 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan for “public calls for participation in an unauthorized rally”. He had previously applied to the akimat to hold a march on May 25th. The akimat refused[65].

June 14, Astana,t he press service of Kazakhstan’s atomic energy agency reports that Russia’s state corporation Rosatom has been named the leader of an international consortium to build the first nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan[66].

June 14, Karaganda region, Karkaralinsk, Bayan Kamzina cannot get help from the authorities. Her grandson, M. Makhanov, the family’s sole breadwinner, was fired from the hospital. He provided emergency care to a patient but did not finish the paperwork. He was fired for this oversight[67].

June 15, Astana, orphanage graduates who have received formal replies from the authorities are asking the public and journalists to support them at a press conference regarding housing and registration. They claim that they are victims of social inequality and have questions for the officials[68].

June 16, Taraz, blogger N., who grossly violated public order, was held accountable and sentenced to ten days in jail. According to reports, he staged the breaking of a car windshield and loudly communicated with a female passenger while filming an advertisement in an attempt to attract the attention of potential viewers, which may have frightened passersby[69].

June 16, Zhezkazgan, residents who disagree with the conditions of forced resettlement due to copper mining by the Kazakhmys Corporation in their place of residence intended to hold a peaceful rally to draw attention to the unresolved problem but were refused. The reason for the rejection was that the submitted notification contained incomplete information[70].

June 16, Semey, after a group of teenagers beat a boy in Semey, two mothers were deprived of their parental rights. The specialized inter-district court for minors’ affairs considered civil cases on deprivation and restriction of parental rights[71].

June 16, Astana, the police department is investigating the dissemination of information about the alleged detention of former Defense Minister R. Zhaksylykov. A pre-trial investigation is underway for knowingly disseminating false information about the detention of this person under Article 274, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK[72].

June 16, Astana, for nearly two and a half years, the Constitutional Court has been operating in Kazakhstan, with the stated mission of «ensuring the constitutional rights of citizens.» During this time, the court has received over 10,000 appeals, but has only initiated 78 of them. The Constitutional Court has become part of the political regime[73].

June 16, Uralsk, on February 18, 2025, police officers stopped A. Yulaev without grounds, searched him, took his phone, and took him for a medical examination. Court No. 2 ruled that the police’s actions were illegal and ordered them to pay the man 100 thousand tenge in compensation[74].

June 16, Astana, the rules for conducting presidential tests were revised to exclude any reference to N. Nazarbayev. The document took effect on June 25, 2016[75].

June 17, the spring draft is underway in Kazakhstan. There are reports that young people are being grabbed off the street and taken to military recruitment centers against their will. On June 7, the Ministry of Defense issued a statement declaring these measures legal[76].

June 17, Astana, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and the Aerospace Industry is investigating the leak of Kazakhstani personal data. The preliminary analysis suggests that the information may have originated from private information systems. So far, no hacker attacks or leaks of personal data from state information systems have been recorded[77].

June 17, Almaty, the Exclusive.kz server has been attacked again. The attackers are doing this by randomly selecting logins and passwords for the administrator panel and internal mailboxes of the publication[78].

June 17, Astana, the Center for Analysis and Investigation of Cyberattacks (CACAR) is reporting that the collection of personal data from Kazakh citizens that is possibly being leaked is likely a set of old databases from the darknet[79].

June 17, Astana, the great-granddaughter of repressed Germans petitioned the court to change her nationality in Kazakhstan from “Belarusian” to “German.” Previously, the migration service had provided a written refusal, referencing Article 65 of the Code “On Marriage (Matrimony) and Family”. The Constitutional Court recognized Article 65 as unconstitutional insofar as it does not provide for other ways of determining and changing nationality. The Court also obliged the Migration Service Committee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to complete the administrative procedure for changing nationality[80].

June 17, employees from the military recruitment office came to Kostanay Construction College, allegedly for a meeting. They then took the third-year students to the recruitment office. The students were taking an exam during this period. According to the regulations, they have time until June 30, as that is the date that the training ends[81].

June 17, Semey, the Abay Regional Court announced its decision regarding EE.M. Akkozha’s lawsuit against the Semey City Akimat concerning the illegal resolution of February 19, 2025, which refused to allow a picket and eliminated the legality of the decision. The court ruled in favor of the administrative claim. The akim of Semey city must pay the state duty[82].

June 17, Akmola region, Granitniy village, institution No. 7, Syzdykov A., Article 297 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 5 years of imprisonment. The activist reported by phone that the administration was pressuring him. He was ill but was not given proper medical care. He is also restricted from using pay phones, and his applications are not being sent[83].

June 18, Almaty: “Blogger-activists, let’s be honest. Where is the line between earning money and committing a crime? I’m talking about attempts to sell or distribute compromising videos and materials. Why isn’t this just ‘hype’ or ‘dirty money’?” wrote B. Toregozhina[84].

June 18, Petropavlovsk, Seventy-two-year-old pensioner Panfilova stopped receiving her pension because she had not withdrawn money from her card for three months. The social security department explained that they acted according to the law; payments are suspended if money is not spent from the pension card for three months[85].

June 18, Almaty, S. Bokayev was added to the wanted database for his public activities. At the airport, a police officer approached him and asked him to come with him. According to the officer, the reason was that the blogger was in the database. Bokayev found out that the Department for Countering Extremism of the Ministry of Interior had included him in the database[86].

June 18, West-Kazakhstan region, school director A. Esmakov announced his decision to withdraw from the Akim of Yanvartsev district elections in a general WhatsApp chat. “If you doubt my honesty, intentions, or capabilities, I respect your choice”, he wrote, not hiding his offense[87].

June 18, Astana, according to Minister of Science and Higher Education S. Nurbek, the enrollment periods for higher education institutions do not align with the conscription periods established by the Ministry of Defense. Consequently, students who have already enrolled in universities are sometimes drafted into the army. The minister considers the Ministry of Defense’s actions legal[88].

June 18, Operation “Curator”, Artur Murzakulov is suspected of having links to the killers. He watched the family of Aidos Sadykov, who was murdered in Kiev. Natalia Sadykova is conducting an independent investigation and has revealed a new name in the criminal case[89].

June 18, Almaty, Singer Zemfira announced the cancellation of her July 6 concert at the Khan-Tengri Stadium in Almaty. She said that the organizers were denied the venue just two weeks before the performance. Zemfira is on the Russian list of “foreign agents”[90].

June 18, Astana, Kazakhstan’s parliament decided to check non-profit organizations for suspicious transactions. The concept of “financing weapons of mass destruction” was also established, as was a ban on shell banks[91].

June 18, Astana, the Minister of Digital Development, Zh. Madiev commented on the leak of the personal data of 16.3 million Kazakhstani citizens and told reporters: “This is not recent data. There was no hacking of state databases containing recent data. This is most likely historical data that leaked earlier”, he explained[92].

June 18, Almaty, The list of initiated criminal cases of Article 190, 194 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan against journalists, bloggers and activists was published: 1. Anton Knyazev, Ust-Kamenogorsk city (NGO “Dorozhny Kontrol”), article 194 and article 190 of the Criminal Code of the RK; 2. Mirshat Sarsenbaev, Kustanay region (blogger), article 194 of the Criminal Code of the RK; 3. Oleg Gusev, Temirtau city, disclosure of personal data, article 147 of the Criminal Code of the RK; 4. Damir Kusheev, Ruslan Karimov (bloggers), Almaty city, article 194 of the Criminal Code of the RK; 6. Criminal Code of the RK; 6. Nurzhon Mukhammedov, Turkestan region, article 190 of the Criminal Code of the RK; 7. Anuar Daniyarov, Almaty region, article 194 of the Criminal Code of the RK; 8. Kuzembaev Tauekel, blogger, Kyzylorda city, article 194 of the Criminal Code of the RK, sentenced to 6 years of imprisonment; 9. Abay (Turdaliev) Kanat, Almaty city, article 194 of the Criminal Code of the RK, sentenced to 7 years of imprisonment; 10. Abzhan Makhambet, journalist, Astana, article 274 and article 194 of the Criminal Code of the RK, sentenced to 9 years of imprisonment; 11. Almasbek Sadyrbay, article 190 of the Criminal Code of the RK, head of NGO “Shanyrak”, under arrest for the period of investigation on suspicion of embezzlement of more than 1.2 billion tenge received as subsidies, actively supported “No to recycling fee!”; 12. Dmitry Perlov, blogger, Ushtobe city, Article 194 of the Criminal Code of the RK, sentenced to 6 years of imprisonment. Also under Article 456-2 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Placement, dissemination of false information”; Aset Abishev, Almaty (for reposting), Ruslan Nurkanov, Ust-Kamenogorsk (for disseminating information about torture), and Kirill Pavlov, Astana (author’s channel “Kazakh Chuvash” for disseminating information about locusts), Sabit Tursunov, Kokshetau, for posting information about the referendum “Assembly of the Peoples of Kazakhstan” in the WhatsApp group “Oyan Kazakh”, Arlan Bayseu, Kokshetau, for information about the referendum “Assembly of the Peoples of Kazakhstan” in the WhatsApp group “Kazakhs Turks” — on the page of B. Toregozhina[93].

June 18, refusing to investigate the murder of A. Sadykov has become the norm in Kazakhstan. After Qatar 2022, the focus of our authorities on the realization of “law and order” has been lost. Today marks one year since the assassination attempt on A. Sadykov. Akorda and the National Security Committee (NSC) are silent, pretending that they have nothing to do with it”, said journalist D. Yegeubaeva[94].

June 19, Astana, deputies of the Kazakh parliament demanded the removal of references to Nazarbayev from the criminal code. Kazybek Isa, a Majilis deputy, objected to the continued use of the term “Yelbasy”, which translates as “leader of the nation”, in state documents. Nazarbayev, the ex-president of Kazakhstan, officially held this title[95].

political prisoner A. Kiysymbaev, Article 272, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 5 years of imprisonment. The court refused to grant him parole[96].

June 19, Almaty, “The institution of conditional early release (parole) and the replacement of unexecuted parts of sentences with more lenient punishments should give convicts a chance to return to normal life. However, our analysis of the situation in the country from 2024 to 2025 questions the fairness of this process”, reported B. Toregozhina[97].

June 19, Kokshetau, human rights activist Nazgul Zhusupova was detained in Kokshetau. She is suspected of insulting the president[98].

June 19, Petropavlovsk, Zhanslu Darkhambaeva, Article 174, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 2 years of imprisonment. The Court of Appeals granted Darhambaeva a two-year reprieve due to the birth of her child. Zhanslu is eligible for amnesty in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan[99].

June 19, Almaty, the Qaznews24 account has been blocked, but there is a backup page. It turns out that this is not the first time it has been blocked. They have become regular. T.Yensebek, the founder and former author of a satirical Instagram public, found himself on the list of individuals financing extremism[100].

June 19, Stepnogorsk, M. Zhylanbaev, Articles 258, 405 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years of imprisonment. Marat informed his lawyer of the numerous violations of his rights while in detention. He was placed in solitary confinement, which violated his rights and forced him to protest with hunger strikes. This led to a deterioration of his health[101].

June 19, Astana, Senators approved the amnesty law to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Constitution. The amnesty will cover more than 15,000 prisoners convicted of crimes that do not pose a serious threat to society[102].

June 19, Astana, the Senate did not approve the amendments to the law aimed at improving law enforcement. However, the Senate did agree to ban clothing that prevents facial recognition and industrial-scale cultivation of hemp[103].

June 19, Zhezkazagan, the case of O. Ranov is further evidence of the gross human rights violations that continue to occur in the Zhezkazgan courts. Despite the lack of evidence and direct refutation of the charges by the victims themselves, Judge N. Kendyrbaeva found O. Ranov guilty and sentenced him to 18 years of imprisonment[104].

At the direction of the Prosecutor General, law enforcement agencies opened a criminal case regarding the leak of the personal data of over 16 million Kazakhstani citizens[105].

June 19, Almaty, many establishments in Kazakhstan have a sign that says, “No outside food allowed”, which violates consumers’ rights. According to Article 8-1 of the Law “On Protection of Consumer Rights”, establishments cannot impose conditions that infringe on the rights of citizens. According to Article 713 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Kazakhstan, you can appeal to the antimonopoly authority[106].

June 19, Almaty, the Exclusive.kz website reports that the situation involving pressure on independent media outlets and journalists is escalating in the country. Media outlets and individual employees have reported a series of attacks, including the mass blocking of social media accounts, platform malfunctions, bot attacks, and other forms of interference. The professional activities of journalists are hindered by all of this, and citizens’ access to information is limited[107].

June 19, Uralsk, a teacher at the Wunderkind kindergarten was suspected of child abuse. Surveillance camera footage showed the woman hitting, pushing, and pulling the children, prompting parents to appeal to the police. Parents appealed to the police. An investigation is now underway[108].

June 20, “We received confirmation from M. Zhylanbaev that he had received only three of our fourteen letters. K. Tulakov, the head of Institution No. 4, is deceiving us by writing that he receives everything. Are the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Institution No. 4 state structures or fly-by-night offices, and do they observe the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan?” wrote B. Toregozhina[109].

June 20, Aktobe, a participant in the events of December 1986 in Almaty was subsequently persecuted for his involvement. It was only in 2025 that he achieved recognition as a victim of political repression through the court[110].

June 20, Astana, we received another refusal to register ULT YNTYMAGY. The Committee of Registration Services of the Ministry of Justice justified the refusal on the grounds that the Association’s charter includes provisions that duplicate the functions of state bodies[111].

June 20, Almaty region, Zhaugashty settlement, A. Tleuzhanova, Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 4 years of imprisonment. Amnesty cannot be applied to A. Tleuzhanova, according to a report by lawyer A. Aidarkhanova[112].

June 20, Atyrau, the effectiveness of the authorities’ actions in the face of the environmental situation was openly called into question by lawyer N. Zholbolov. “Why does the regional akim S. Shapkenov still remain in his post when Atyrau is suffocating? If you can’t do the job, quit”, said Mr. Zholbolov[113].

June 20, the Swiss Consulate in Almaty refused to issue visas to human rights defenders A. Shormanbaev, T. Baimash, N. Gapurova, and A. Roshchupkina, preventing them from participating in the presentation of the state’s report on the ICCPR at the UN HRC in Geneva[114].

June 21, Astana, “We sued the Akimat for refusing to provide information about peaceful rallies in Astana. They published a list with only the dates and places, along with the word ‘agreed,’ but no information about the topics of the rallies, the names of the organizers, or even the start times of the events”, said Diana Okremova[115].

June 22, Kostanay, the orders to pay a fine for driving beyond the “virtual” stop line were challenged in court by B. Khasenov. The court ruled: To cancel the orders issued by the police department and to stop the proceedings on the case due to the absence of corpus delicti for administrative offenses[116].

June 22, West-Kazakhstan region, residents of Kanai Village in the Burlin District continue to protest the June 22 election of their district akim. In a video, they stated that they do not recognize the election results and consider the akim declared by the election commission as illegitimate[117].

June 22, Kyiv, “Now they are putting pressure on my elderly mother”, Sadykova wrote on social media. She said that, after the publication last week of an investigation about a Kazakh special services officer, her mother started receiving threatening messages[118].

June 22, Astana, President Tokayev spoke about the need for serious reform of the penal system. “The government, together with the General Prosecutor’s Office, should address this issue in detail”, he said[119].

June 23, Astana, Kazakhstan President K. Tokayev signed a law granting amnesty to convicts. More than 15,000 convicts will be affected by the upcoming amnesty. Around 2,000 of them are expected to be released from prison. Sentences for the rest will be reduced[120].

June 23, Almaty, Kazakhstan’s courts are considering civil suits filed by participants in the December 1986 uprising and recognizing the participants as victims of political repression. Kursiv.Media has obtained copies of two recent court decisions on the matter. The possibility exists of even more radical verdicts[121].

June 23, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Ch. Kurmankhan, an orphan with a disability, was removed from the housing waiting list five years ago. Through the court, he was restored to the list of those in need of housing. The court decision has taken effect. The Akim of Ust-Kamenogorsk did not appeal the decision, meaning that Chingiz’s rights have been restored[122].

June 23, Almaty, “Posting to the Human Rights Defenders of Kazakhstan account and group is periodically blocked. Who is blocking posts on Facebook?”, wrote human rights activist Galym Ageleuov[123].

June 23, direct pressure, illegal searches, threats, and obstruction of journalists investigating the Obukhov mining and processing plant in the North Kazakhstan region are all detailed in a Yelmedia resource report. Witnesses are summoned, questioned, and searched. They are told directly: “One more contact with Yelmedia, and we will imprison a close relative of Dolgalev”[124].

June 23, Abay region, the General Prosecutor’s Office of the RK revealed that the graduate of the orphanage was not provided with housing. As a result of the Prosecutor’s Office’s supervisory activities, measures were taken, and the young man received an apartment in a new residential building[125].

June 23, residents of Almaty and the Almaty region who were victims of fraud gathered in front of the Bostandyk District Court for Civil Cases. They gave millions of tenge to a company that promised to repair their houses but left them with nothing. The swindlers are still at large[126].

June 23, Mangistau region, Munaylinsky district, Police Captain Zh. Tazhibaev, came to the home of human rights activist U. Turdiyeva because A. Ungarova, a “public activist” at the Munaylinsky district akimat, wrote a complaint against her[127].

June 23, Kazakhstan’s regional media outlets are experiencing a crisis that could be fatal: Uralskaya Nedelya, Nasha Gazeta (Kostanay), Diapozon (Aktobe), Ak Zhaiyk (Atyrau), and Petropavlovsk.news are in the midst of a crisis that could prove fatal. A detailed analysis by Azattyk Radio reveals that financial difficulties, staff shortages, technological lag, and pressure from government agencies are creating a perfect storm for the destruction of independent regional journalism[128].

June 23, Astana, “We conduct daily monitoring. This monitoring includes all information appearing in journalistic materials. It also includes information appearing in the public space. This public space includes social networks. All incoming information is taken into account in the process of analysis. However, final decisions are made only in strict accordance with the current legislation”, said Deputy Prosecutor General Zh. Umiraliev[129].

June 23, Montenegro, the “Auditorium” (a refugee community) was the destination of an invitation extended to Dinara Smailova and Almat Mukhamedjanov, who claimed to have felt like they were being followed[130].

June 23, Kostanay, the akimat did not allow the Ukrainian band Quest Pistols to perform. The concert was scheduled for July 27. After monitoring publications about Quest Pistols on the internet and in the media, the akimat decided not to authorize the concert[131].

June 23, the Anti-Corruption Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan has announced that it has launched the investigation of approximately 30 criminal cases since the beginning of 2025. These cases involve the alleged legalization (laundering) of money and other property. Some of these cases have reportedly already been sent to court, with convictions handed down[132].

June 23, Akmola region, Y. Yemtsova intends to continue her struggle. She wants to make selection procedures for the public council transparent and legal. She filed a lawsuit against the Maslikhat of Arshalyn District, demanding the recognition of the competition results as invalid and the conducting of a re-selection in accordance with the principles of openness, fairness, and equal access[133].

June 24, Konaev, D.Namazbaev, Article 179, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 5 years of imprisonment. The court refused to grant D. Namazbaev parole for the third time[134].

June 24, the court counted the years that a 67-year-old resident of the Taskalinsky District in the West Kazakhstan Region spent taking care of his seriously ill father as pensionable service. Witnesses, including neighbors and relatives, were invited to testify and confirmed that the man had indeed cared for his elderly parent[135].

June 24, the editor-in-chief of Respublika.kz.media, I. Petrushova, made a statement regarding the targeting of social network accounts by the special services in the context of the coverage of the murder of A. Sadykov, the founder of BACE. Petrushova stated that Facebook accounts belonging to journalists D. Moldabekov and Y. Kozlova had been blocked, and that her own account had been blocked the previous evening[136].

June 24, Human Rights Watch issued a statement noting that the first attempt to convict E. Yerkebayeva — who “survived two decades of severe domestic violence at the hands of her former husband” — revealed law enforcement’s failure to protect victims of violence. So, she’s gonna be retired now. The perverse and unjust consequences of police inaction are demonstrated by this case[137].

June 25, the Southern District Military Court in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, found Turan Ustyugov, a resident of Almaty, guilty of participating in the activities of a terrorist organization. Ustyugov was also accused of “receiving training for the purpose of terrorist activity”. Ustyugov was sentenced to 12 years in prison[138].

June 25, Semey, one of the passengers hit the bus driver while the bus was moving. The offender has been identified as a 45-year-old Semey resident. Legal proceedings have been commenced against him, and presently, measures are being undertaken to apprehend him[139].

June 25, Almaty, human rights defender B. Toregozhina appealed to Prosecutor General B. Asylov: “We believe that M. Zhylanbaev is deprived of his constitutional rights and is currently being held in conditions that constitute cruel treatment and torture. Of the 30 political prisoners, only M. Zhylanbaev’s rights are violated, and no complaints have been received from the others”[140].

June 25, Kyzylorda, D.Muhammedkarim, Articles 258, 405 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years of imprisonment. From April 19, 2025, to August 19, 2025, Duman was in disciplinary isolation because he refused to wear a prison robe. He complains of acute lower back pain and says that he cannot sit or stand for long periods of time. The medical officer ordered bed rest,» said Toregozhina[141].

June 25 in Astana, the deputies of the Majilis agreed with the senators’ amendments to the law at the plenary session of the chamber, which provides for the introduction of a ban on wearing clothing that covers the face in public places. The document has been sent to the head of state for signature[142].

June 25, Astana, Kazakhstan’s Senate approved a package of amendments to the criminal legislation. The package was approved in two readings. The amendments provide for the introduction of criminal liability for stalking. They also provide for criminal liability for forced marriage. The amendments also provide for a number of other important changes. These changes relate to the protection of individual rights. The penalties for serious crimes will increase. Certain articles will be humanized[143].

June 25, Stepnogorsk, institution No. 4, M.Zhylanbaev, Article 405, Part 2, Article 258, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 7 years of imprisonment. The 29th day of the hunger strike! A legendary man is fighting for the basic rights of prisoners in Kazakhstan’s penal system! Meanwhile, in Geneva, Ombudsman A. Lastaev and a group of GONGO (government-organized non-governmental organization) NGOs are talking about how wonderful everything is in Kazakhstan. Toregozhina asks, “Did anyone in Geneva raise the issue of Zhalynbayev’s case and his hunger strike?”[144] .

June 25, Astana, the court was to consider the journalists’ application to hold the head of the Astana Internal Policy Department, N. Almukhanov, accountable for his refusal to provide information about peaceful assemblies. N. Almukhanov’s illness and his absence from the cellular network coverage area prompted the Akimat to request a postponement of the case[145].

June 25, West-Kazakhstan region, a new conflict has arisen around the akim elections. On July 13, the election for the Kaztalov district akim will be held here. N. Khairullin, a self-nominated candidate, failed to pass the Territorial Election Commission’s (TEC) screening process. On June 20, the TEC deregistered him for committing an administrative violation. A lawsuit has been filed by N. Khairullin against the TECs[146].

June 25, Astana, since the beginning of the year, approximately 25 individuals in Kazakhstan have been prosecuted for engaging in what are considered «pranks.» According to the official website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, such actions are dangerous and violate public order[147].

June 25, Astana, the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan, A. Lastaev, announced in Geneva that authorities will allocate almost T6 billion for protection and assistance to victims of domestic violence starting in 2024[148].

June 25, Kyzylorda, D.Muhammedkarim, Articles 258, 405 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 7 years of imprisonment. June 25, Kyzylorda, D.Mukhammedkarim refused to write a petition to the court asking for his punishment to be reduced. As of June 25, he has already served 2.8 years of his sentence[149].

June 25, Hearings are being held in Geneva on Kazakhstan’s report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Lawyer M. Adam defended Orda.kz and Ulysmedia.kz and their chief editors, G. Bazhkenova and S. Ibraeva[150].

June 25, Ust-Kamenogorsk, D. Danilevsky, the editor of the Flashpress website, sent an open letter to the city Akim and the chairman of the city Maslikhat regarding the city’s public transportation issues and asked when it will function properly?[151].

June 25, Astana, the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan denied the appeal of M. Maisar, a student from Almaty, who had challenged the legality of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education’s directive concerning the allocation of government-funded educational grants[152].

June 25, а new sewage system worth 4 billion tenge is planned for the Karagaily settlement in the Karaganda region. However, villagers fear that the company will discharge the waste liquid into the river. They sued the akimat in the Karaganda Regional Court[153].

June 25, Astana, Kazakhstan may tighten administrative and criminal liability for the illegal use of drones, as well as introduce licensing for drone manufacturers. This is because drones could be used for more than peaceful activities and could become a tool in the hands of criminals[154].

June 25, Astana, the court considered the case against B. Adilova, which was initiated by the police at the request of Kazakhmys LLP for disseminating false information. The court found Adilova guilty under Article 456-2, Part 2 of the Administrative Offences Code of the RK and fined her 20 MRP[155].

June 25, Almaty, human rights activist B. Toregozhina reported that only two people out of 30 political prisoners in Kazakhstan fall under the amnesty. Having studied the law “On Amnesty”, we concluded that only two activists can qualify for amnesty (a reduction of the term by one-third or one-fifth): Akhmetkaliev Malik and Syzdykov Aidar[156].

June 26, Astana, an online discussion was held on copyright issues and the challenges of using artificial intelligence in journalism. Organized by Internews, the event was attended by media experts and journalists from Central Asian countries[157].

June 26, Uralsk, activists B. Utebaev and R. Karieva submitted a request to the Akimat to hold a peaceful rally on July 6 to address acute social, political, and economic issues. However, their request was denied without explanation and they were threatened with legal action if they held the rally without authorization[158].

June 26, East Kazakhstan region, a Glubokoye village resident challenged the state authorities’ refusal to issue a certificate confirming her residence in a high-radiation risk area through the court. The woman appealed to the court, presenting all the necessary certificates and testimonies confirming her birth and residence in the radiation-affected area[159].

June 26, Astana, the Senate deputies approved the law “On Introducing Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts on Issues of Military-Patriotic Education, Military Service, and Redistribution of Functions of Certain Central State Bodies”. The law enshrines the practice of sending summonses to the army via text message and obligates teachers of primary military training to have military service experience[160].

June 26, Astana, the scientific and practical conference, “Partnership for Justice: State and Society Against Torture” was held[161].

June 26, Balkhash city, the residents of House No. 10 were left homeless. Their home was deemed an emergency and they were evacuated immediately. The residents were thrown out onto the street. The residents are demanding the intervention of President K. Tokayev, a fair decision, and the resignation of the head of the Housing and Utilities Department[162].

June 26, Astana, on the sidelines of the Majilis, Science and Education Minister G. Beisembayev said that akimats should suppress the work of religious summer camps for children. “Local executive bodies should carry out content control according to the approved algorithm. If such organizations are found, state bodies should close them down”, the minister said[163].

“I was unblocked on Facebook. I wasn’t here for about a week. For this special operation, it was necessary to involve Reporters Without Borders”, said journalist D. Moldabekov[164].

June 26, Mukhtar Ablyazov’s YouTube channel has been unblocked. “After almost three weeks of restrictions, YouTube unblocked the main channel, and I am back on air. There will be important live broadcasts today”, said M. Ablyazov[165].

June 26, Astana, Askar Nurmaganov, an activist, was detained under Article 179 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He is currently being held in the National Security Committee’s detention center[166].

June 27, Semey, employees of the road construction company GORDORSTROY addressed the president of the country with an open appeal, stating that the Chinese contractor CITIC Construction had violated their contract. The employees claim that the company is in a difficult situation due to the Chinese company’s systematic failure to fulfill its contractual obligations[167].

June 27, Almaty, a list of activists, journalists, bloggers under Articles 256, 174, 179, 272 and 274 of the Criminal Code (trial and investigation) in addition to Article 190 and Article 194 of the Criminal Code (fraud and extortion) is posted: Bashanov Zhandarbek, Uralsk, part 1, article 174, part 2, article 256 of the Criminal Code; Nurmaganov Askar, Karaganda, article 179 (or article 174); Duisenbiev Marat, Saryagash, part 2, article 256; Abdrakhmanov Aibek, Astana, YouTube channel “ Glazami istorii” (By the Eyes of History); Abdugaliev Adilzhan, Almaty, blogger, arrest, article 256 part 2; Zenilhaan Bolatbek, part 4, article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Karaganda region; Nazgul Zhusupova, Kokshetau, detained on charges of “insulting the president”; Sandugash Duisenova, Taldykorgan, journalist of ORDA news agency, under article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan[168].

June 27, Uralsk, the Akimat did not grant activist E. Baitemirov permission to hold a peaceful rally on July 6 in the M. Mametova Square to discuss social, political, and economic issues. The akimat threatened to take measures under Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan if the rally were held without authorization[169].

June 27, journalist Askhat Niyazov was involved in a criminal case. He commented on the situation with DALA SK, a company that left shareholders in Semey without housing. According to Mr. Niyazov, construction was underway at the time of filming, with three or four floors already built, creating the impression that the project was legitimate. He admitted that he did not verify that all the necessary authorization documents were available[170].

June 27, Astana, during a meeting about providing Internet access to Kazakh villages, Olga Bulavkina, a member of the Senate, stated that some border areas of Kazakhstan are without access to Kazakh TV. Instead, they watch Russian TV and “absorb the neighboring country’s ideology”[171].

June 27, Astana, “Journalist A. Niyazov did not place the advertisement gratuitously; he received six million tenge for promoting the project. It was a paid transaction between the two parties. I would like to reiterate that his actions will be subject to the appropriate legal evaluation in accordance with current legislation”, stated K. Bagbanuly, the Deputy Head of the Investigation Department of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Financial Monitoring[172].

June 27, Karaganda, serious dissatisfaction with the work of Akim Ospanov E.S. has been expressed by residents of houses No. 247 and No. 249. For many years, the akimat has been approached by people with the same problem: regular flooding of houses[173].

June 27, Kostanay, E. Akhtaev, the head of the Department of Defense Affairs of Lisakovsk, entered a guilty plea in court under Article 651 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for illegal conscription. As a result, he was fined 66,844 tenge. The conscript I. Nurmukhambetov was wanted for ignoring the summons to the army, according to E. Akhtaev’s report[174].

June 28, Uralsk, after a complaint was filed by citizen I. Lazovsky, an administrative case was initiated against Anargul Abenova, the head of the National Social Democratic Party branch in the West Kazakhstan region, under Article 73-3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, “Defamation”[175].

July 28, Uralsk, “In our country, everything is imitation and deception. The authorities will immediately substitute whatever appears real. Elections, political parties, and civil societies—falsification is everywhere. The same goes for journalism. On Journalism Day, material benefits are given to those whom government agencies congratulate, but they are not journalists—they are state propagandists”, said journalist T. Yeslyamova[176].

June 28, Kostanay, parents say that children in the private kindergarten “Amanat and K” were not fed and were beaten. Bodily injuries, concussions, and closed craniocerebral injuries were sustained by some of the children. The police are conducting a preliminary investigation in accordance with Article 140 of the Criminal Code of the RK[177].

June 28, “Kazakhstan celebrates the Day of Mass Media Workers. According to President Tokayev, the country has created ‘all conditions for the progressive development of the media industry’. However, the press service of Akorda does not specify whether the president meant prison terms, criminal cases, interrogations, or hacking”, wrote Daniyar Moldabekov[178].

June 28, Petropavlovsk, tax law violations related to the unjustified withholding of individual income tax from people with disabilities were revealed by the prosecutor’s office. Officials illegally withheld approximately 17 million tenge. The perpetrators are being held accountable as prescribed by law[179].

June 28, Karaganda region, Residents of Karagaily Village are outraged by officials’ decision to dump sewage directly into the Taldy River. They are asking President K. Tokayev to intervene and hear their concerns, obliging officials to change the project[180].

June 28, Balkhash, public activist R. Kapasov stated, “The Akimat ignores the real social problems of residents. Instead of addressing pressing concerns related to ensuring safety on the streets, repairing roads and sidewalks, and supporting the needy, officials allocate substantial sums of money, amounting to hundreds of millions of tenge, to image projects that do not directly benefit the general population of Balkhash”[181].

June 28, Astana, a criminal case was brought against Aibek Abdurakhmanov, the author of the YouTube channel “By the Eyes of History” https://www.youtube.com/@Aibek_A/community under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Abdurakhmanov was also banned from leaving Kazakhstan[182].

June 29, Astana, the restriction of coaches and bloggers’ activities to advertising cryptocurrencies was endorsed by Prosecutor General B. Asylov. He claims that the National Bank and the Agency for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market (ARDF) have developed a number of legislative measures. These measures are intended to introduce systemic regulation of the turnover of digital assets[183].

June 30, “The Astana City Communications Service intends to monitor more than 55,000 sources, ranging from major media outlets to comments on social networks. We make a point of looking for comments that are critical of the authorities and putting together information about the people who wrote the publications” said journalist A. Grigoryants[184].

June 30, Astana, The law amended several laws. These include the laws “On internal affairs bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan” and “On law enforcement service”» There are others, too. The local police service was abolished in order to improve the organization of police activities[185].

June 30, Karaganda, the home of activist Bakytzhan Zhanseitov was visited by police and OMON officers. Zhanseitov was detained and his home was searched, during which electronic devices were seized. A criminal case was opened against him under Article 272, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan[186].

June 30, Almaty, the city court held a hearing on S. Zakirova’s appeal against “City Polyclinic No. 30”, the “Department of Public Health of Almaty”, and the LLP “Center of Information Technologies DAMU” regarding the legality of the city polyclinic’s response dated September 6, 2024. The court denied S. Zakirova’s claim[187].

June 30, Almaty, “If Kazakhstan keeps putting people in prison just because they disagree with the government, nothing good will come of it. As long as there are political prisoners and torture in the country, no rights and freedoms are off the table”, stated journalist D. Yegeubaeva[188].

June 30, Karaganda region, residents of the Kyzylkayin settlement wrote an open letter to President K. Tokayev, asking him to address the poor condition of the road leading to their settlement. The road is in catastrophic condition. The appeals to the Akimat of the district have not yielded any results. The appeals to the Akimat of the region have not yielded any results either[189].

June 30, according to the NGO “Kadyr Kasiet”, in June 2025, representatives of seven out of ten categories of activists were threatened. Cases involving 50 individuals (20 women and 30 men) and one legal entity were recorded. Civic activists and journalists remain the “leaders”[190].

June 30, Astana, the NGO “Kadir-qasiet” conducted a monitoring of social networks and websites. The focus was on the placement of information. The goal was to ensure the safety of human rights defenders and activists in Kazakhstan[191].

June 30, Astana, Elmira Appasova, a lawyer, was inflicted “bodily injuries by a police officer of the police department of the district Sary-Arka in Astana for refusing to give out confidential documents of their confidants — lawyers’ files without an inventory and authorization of the investigating court. The officers concealed the fact that the search would be conducted at one of the lawyers when they received authorization to search. They gave the names of the lawyers without indicating their affiliation to the legal profession. The “cherry on top” was when a bag of white powder fell out of the police officers’ hands[192].

June 30, Atyrau, O. Vertinskaya has been receiving threats from a number in the Philippines. They also threatened her family, including her children. Yesterday, 200 thousand tenge was transferred to her family’s account from an unfamiliar account at another bank. This is a provocation[193].

[1] https://t.me/halyqstan/11055

[2] https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKXFJEkqBfp/?igsh=MTBuM3pnZ2V5ZW9ycw%3D%3D

[3] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/pravozaschitnitsa-soobschaet-ob-otkazah-almatinskih-kinoteatrov-pokazat-film-azattyka-o-marate-zhylanbaeve/33434109.html

[4] https://t.me/AdalSotKz/2290

[5] https://ulysmedia.kz/news/52654-tseny-bezrabotitsa-dokhody-deputat-zaiavila-o-lozhnoi-statistike-v-kazakhstane/

[6] https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKZPs7qtBc-/?igsh=MWc3d3E1NHNqNmludg%3D%3D

[7] https://ulysmedia.kz/news/52811-aktivisty-vydvinuli-trebovaniia-novomu-akimu-almaty-darkhanu-satybaldy/

[8] https://adilsoz.kz/news/amicus-curiae-zakonno-li-sudit-zhurnalista-za-ispolzovanie-dannyh-otkr.html

[9] https://mgorod.kz/news/studenta-nazarbaev-universiteta-zabrali-v-armiyu-pryamo-na-ulice

[10] https://kaztag.kz/ru/news/verkhovnyy-sud-vosstanovil-pravo-uvolennykh-rabotnikov-rags-na-vykhodnoe-posobie-v-aktobe

[11] https://orda.kz/obraschenie-v-gosorgan-cherez-eotinish-povod-dlja-suda-juristy-dokazali-obratnoe-402779/

[12] https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1609742426383385