MONITORING OF POLITICAL PERSECUTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN FROM 1 to OCTOBER 31, 2025

October 1, Almaty: Lawyer M. Doskaraev visited K. Tulakov, the head of the institution, to discuss the conditions of M. Zhylanbaev’s detention and the issuance of a power of attorney from Marat. K. Tulakov promised to issue a power of attorney to human rights defender B. Toregozhina within 2-3 days[1].

October 1, Almaty: Interview with lawyer Amir Akimzhanov, who is representing public figure D. Kusheev in court (Article 194 of the Criminal Code of the RK). Akimzhanov said that the criminal case was fabricated. On October 1, the questioning of witnesses concluded, and the materials of the criminal case were reviewed. The parties’ arguments are expected next. There are eight volumes in the case, and four people are on trial [2].

October 1, Uralsk: Ainur Utepova appeals for her husband, Aslan Utepov, who the Deputy Head of the Department of the Criminal Executive System for the West Kazakhstan Region of Uralsk, S. Uteshkaliev, subjects to gross violations of constitutional rights[3].

October 1-2, Astana, The second international scientific conference, dedicated to “The Role of Constitutional Courts in Periods of Constitutional Change and Emergencies”, took place. A presentation entitled “The phenomenon of ‘positive decisions’ vs. the effectiveness of constitutional and legal protection of citizens” was given by E. Nefedieva, an expert on constitutional justice at the KIBHR[4].

October 1, Akmola Region, Zerenda village: Temirgaliev, the director of the local, state-owned municipal enterprise “Madeniyet Uyi” (House of Culture), was accused of unethical behavior, intimidating employees, and creating an unhealthy work environment. Consequently, he was dismissed from his position[5].

October 1-2, in response to notifications from activists, the akimats of Kokshetau, Kostanay, Semey, and Uralsk refused to grant permission to hold peaceful meetings on October 25, 2025. The proposed gatherings aimed to address several issues, including the cancellation of the 16% VAT, an end to price increases and political persecution, freedom for political prisoners, increased salaries and pensions, and the cancellation of absurd fines and recycling fees. The akimats cited other events as the reason for the refusals[6].

October 1, the Atyrau region is undergoing systematic work to guarantee accessibility and enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. As of October 1, 2025, the Regional Communications Service reported that 17,150 residents of the region with disabilities had received various social services and technical aids through the social services portal[7].

October 2, Almaty Region, Otegen Batyr village: Police officers and bailiffs forcibly removed 76-year-old Siranova Esbala from her apartment. The woman suffered a closed fracture of the posterior segment of her tenth rib on the right side[8].

October 2, Astana: The Supreme Court of Montenegro denied Kazakhstan’s request to extradite D. Smailova, a human rights activist and founer of the NeMolchiKZ foundation. This decision took effect on September 12, 2025. The General Prosecutor’s Office of Kazakhstan stated that they will continue to pursue the extradition of the human rights activist[9].

October 2-3, the akimats of Karaganda, Pavlodar, and Petropavlovsk did not grant permission to hold peaceful meetings on October 25, 2025. There were nine refusals and three notifications in each city. The topic was to cancel the 16% VAT and prevent price increases. Reasons for refusal: provision of incomplete information and scheduling of other events in response to the activists’ notifications[10].

October 2, the akimats of Almaty, Astana and Shymkent did not grant permission to hold peaceful meetings on October 25, 2025. There were nine refusals and three notifications in each city. The topic was to cancel the 16% VAT and prevent price increases. Reasons for refusal: provision of incomplete information and scheduling of other events in response to the activists’ notifications[11].

October 3, Semey: Head of the local police A. Utepov reported that, from September 1 to November 1, 9,820 administrative offenses were prevented. These included 1,241 cases of unregistered residence, 76 violations by foreign citizens, and 16 cases of illegal reception of foreigners by residents of the region. Additionally, twenty-nine cases of drug trafficking were identified. Article 299-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been the basis for the launch of preliminary investigations into four of these cases[12].

October 3, Astana, A. Tokpaeva (Article 380, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 2 years of restriction of liberty) reported that her family was under pressure. Her mother, who had worked at the Polyclinic No. 1 rehabilitation center for many years, was dismissed. Her sister, an ophthalmologist, was dismissed from her position at the Military Hospital in May 2024[13].

October 3, Aktobe Region: A 28-year-old teacher named Aknur Shakir was admitted to a psychiatric hospital following a routine fainting spell. She claims that she was detained against her will at the clinic and forced to take medication. However, she is now worried that this hospitalization may have a negative impact on her professional life[14].

October 3, Almaty: An investigation has been launched into the death of Judge Dastan Slyamkulov at the Almaty pretrial detention center. “The preliminary cause of death was acute heart failure. His death was recorded on a surveillance camera. An inquiry is ongoing”[15].

October 4, Aktau: Kamila Kabieva, the mother of a one-and-a-half-year-old girl who was beaten at a private kindergarten, contacted the Lada.KZ editorial office again. A criminal case has been opened under Article 140 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. However, Kabieva claims that the investigation is not being conducted properly[16].

October 6, Astana: The Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan established a Commission on the Development of Industry Journalism. The commission is responsible for preparing proposals and coordinating efforts to support and promote journalism in the country. However, the commission does not include any practicing journalists or media representatives[17].

October 7, Atyrau: A criminal case has been opened regarding the kidnapping and beating of blogger Kuralay Bolatova. Those involved in the incident have been identified and brought in for questioning. A thorough investigation is being conducted[18].

October 7, Atyrau: “Practical Advice for Political Prisoners: How to Survive in Kazakh Prisons and Penitentiaries”. Max Bokai, a former political prisoner, compiled this guide with grant support from the Norwegian Helsinki Committee[19].

October 7, Kokshetau: Activist B. Baltashev was summoned to the Extremism and Terrorism Prevention Department. The conversation, which was more like an interrogation, involved three police officers, including Deputy Chief Lieutenant Colonel K. Beisenbin. The police officers were interested in the unregistered party “Alga, Kazakhstan!”. B. Baltashev is a member of this party[20].

October 8, Astana, the court considered the lawsuit filed by Suleimenov Zh. E. against the State Institution “Astana Employment and Social Programs Department” and the “Department of Social Protection”. The lawsuit concerned the refusal to provide an indoor wheelchair and sought to have it recognized as unlawful, as well as to obligate the defendants to provide the wheelchair within the established time frame. The court partially satisfied the lawsuit[21].

October 8, Astana: Journalist and agricultural analyst K. Pavlov reported on new administrative proceedings related to his publication about the Ministry of Agriculture’s purchase of drones. Article 456-2, Part 3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK was the basis for drawing up the protocol[22].

October 8, Kyzylorda: An attack on student Oleg Kim took place in the school toilet at Secondary School No. 198. The mother’s statement was accepted by the Police Department in electronic form. However, the text was edited[23].

October 8, Almaty: The notification procedure for holding peaceful assemblies in Kazakhstan is essentially the same as the previous authorization procedure. The total number of refusals for 2025, as determined by monitoring of freedom of peaceful assembly, was 27. From June 30, 2020, to October 8, 2025, the total number of refusals reached 713[24].

October 9, Almaty: Concerns have been expressed by the Adil Soz Foundation about the criminal prosecution of journalist O. Gusev under Article 174, Part 4 of the Criminal Code of the RK. This sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of speech. It also sets a dangerous precedent for access to socially significant information in Kazakhstan. The Adil Soz Foundation is calling on the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan to drop the charges against O. Gusev[25].

October 9, France: The name of journalist A. Sadykov has been immortalized on the Bayeux Memorial to Dead Journalists in northern France. Aidos was assassinated in Kiev by hitmen working on behalf of the Kazakh special services. He paid with his life for the truth. Now, his name is enshrined alongside those of journalists from around the world who died for freedom of speech[26].

October 9, Almaty Region, Zhaugashy settlement, Women’s Colony Correctional Facility: A. Tleuzhanova (Article 272, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 4 years’ imprisonment), who is currently detained there, reported that the facility is cold because the heating has not been turned on, which has made her fall ill. These detention conditions are tantamount to torture[27].

October 9, Warsaw: A session of the OSCE ODIHR featured a speech by journalist L. Akhmedyarov, who spoke on the topic of the persecution of journalists in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. He reported the current imprisonment of journalists A. Tleuzhanova and D. Mukhammedkarim and the killing of journalist A. Sadykov in Kiev[28].

October 9, Warsaw, At the OSCE ODIHR conference, the protection of human rights in the context of mineral extraction was discussed. “Many acronyms were mentioned, such as the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which stipulate the mandatory participation of local communities in decision-making in the extractive sector. However, this does not work in reality”, said journalist L. Akhmedyarov[29].

October 9, Warsaw: The Kazakh authorities were accused of covering up the killers of the journalist by human rights defender B. Toregozhina. She noted that A. Sadykov was shot dead in Kiev by hitmen from Kazakhstan’s special services, yet the authorities are still evading the investigation and extradition of the suspects. The international community should urge the Tokayev regime to punish everyone involved in this political murder[30].

October 9, Warsaw: E. Zhovtis reported that “international organizations such as the UN, PACE, and OSCE are experiencing a serious crisis in terms of the effectiveness and efficiency of their influence on the human rights situation in countries where the rule of law is not observed and anti-democratic tendencies prevail”[31].

October 9, Almaty: The Alatau District Court has begun a landmark trial against journalist O. Gusev for violating Article 147, Part 5 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (“disseminating information about a person’s private life that constitutes a personal or family secret”). Gusev faces three to seven years in prison for using publicly available data in his article[32].

October 10, Warsaw, MediaQoldau head G. Birzhanova gave a speech on violations of journalists’ rights and freedom of speech issues in Kazakhstan. During her speech, she elaborated on the circumstances surrounding the denial of accreditation to journalists from Radio Azattyk this year[33].

October 10, Warsaw, Director of the Legal Media Center D. Okremova spoke about problems in the media sphere in Kazakhstan. She also spoke about the law “On Mass Media”. This law is based on strengthening control over the activities of journalists and editorial offices[34].

October 10, Warsaw: B. Toregozhina reported on the violation of the rights of sixteen Radio Azattyk journalists whose accreditations were not renewed by the Kazakhstani Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2025. She asked the OSCE to: 1. Call on Kazakhstan to ensure the independence of its judiciary, which is essential to protecting freedom of speech and human rights. 2. Demand a review of the decisions related to the refusal to accredit sixteen journalists from Radio Azattyk, as well as the restoration of their right to practice their profession[35].

October 10, Almaty: K. Pavlov, founder of the media project “Corruption Investigation Fund-Bureau”, is charged under Article 456-2 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan for spreading false information. Despite the illogicality and absurdity of this case, a dangerous precedent for the media could be set by it[36].

October 12, Akmola Region, Stepnogorsk, Institution No. 4: Mazhilis Deputy E. Bapi visited M. Zhylanbaev (Articles 258 and 405 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan, 7 years’ imprisonment) in prison and reported that he “looks well. His mood and appearance are good. He says he does not need to see a doctor»[37].

October 12, Semey: For the first time, blind voters received invitations in Braille. Polling stations are now equipped with everything necessary for people with special needs to vote. For the first time, personal notifications printed in Braille were prepared. The project was executed in partnership with the library for the visually impaired, which recently opened in Semey[38].

October 13, Akmola Region, Stepnogorsk, Institution No. 4, M. Zhylanbaev (Articles 405(2) and 258(2) of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years’ imprisonment). “As another act of protest against my illegal imprisonment and the provocations by the administration of Institution No. 4, I am declaring an indefinite hunger strike. My rights are being violated: I am not allowed to meet with my friends in the long-term visiting room, other prisoners are provoked against me, and I am not allowed to run or engage in creative activities”, Marat stated[39].

October 13, Semey: “Results of the voting at Polling Station No. 95 for the election of the City Akim”. There were violations, but the authorities did not allow us to review the protocol in accordance with Article 43 of the Law on Elections. The police were called. A statement was filed with the prosecutor’s office”, said activist K. Sultanbekov[40].

October 13, Astanа: Deputy R. Zaitov inquired with Minister of Internal Affairs E. Sadenov regarding the well-being of the convicted D. Mukhammedkarim. “I have a request and a question for you”, the deputy stated. “What steps are necessary to assess the health of D. Mukhammedkarim at a hospital that is adequately equipped?”[41].

October 13, Aktau: More than 20 unemployed residents recorded a video message for President K. Tokayev, saying that they cannot find permanent employment. “We have been registered with the Employment Center for months and years. The jobs offered to us are either low-paying or do not correspond to our profession”, the participants said. [42].

October 14, Kostanay: A video message to President Tokayev from Sharbana Sarsenbayeva appeared. It concerned the arbitrary actions of law enforcement agencies in the Kostanay region. These actions were against her husband, blogger M. Sarsenbayev. He is charged under Article 194 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan[43].

October 14, Almaty Region, Zhaugashy settlement, Women’s Colony Correctional Facility: A. Tleuzhanova (Article 272, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 4 years’ imprisonment) “Mom, they’re going to kill me in prison!”, said A. Tleuzhanova. She underwent surgery to remove a boil a month ago, but it became infected again. The decision was made by the doctors to have her hospitalized, but she was not left in the hospital by the guards and was taken back to the colony[44].

October 14, Akmola Region, Granitny settlement, Institution No. 7, A. Syzdykov (Article 297 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 5 years’ imprisonment). A court hearing was held for A. Syzdykov, who petitioned to replace his sentence with a less severe form of punishment, such as restriction of liberty. However, the court denied the petition[45].

October 14, Astana: The initial two criminal proceedings have already been initiated under the recently promulgated Article 125-1 of the Criminal Code of the RK. The first cases of forced marriage have been registered in Shymkent and the Kyzylorda region. The press service of the General Prosecutor’s Office reports that in both cases the victims were minors[46].

October 15, Astana, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry renewed the accreditation of 12 Radio Liberty correspondents for three months. However, the issue of accreditation for the remaining 16 Radio Liberty journalists, which the organization has been fighting for since the summer, remains unresolved. Those whose accreditation was extended include correspondents from Radio Liberty’s Kazakh service and the Nastoyashchee Vremya TV channel.[47].

October 15, Almaty: A criminal case was brought to court against Mirbolat Bishuinov, a blogger and activist accused of “inciting ethnic hatred” under Article 174, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the RK. The court scheduled the preliminary hearing for October 17, 2025[48].

October 15, Semey: The Abai Regional Court concluded consideration of the administrative lawsuit filed by E. Akkozha against the Semey City Akimat regarding the recognition of the resolutions dated May 22, 2025, and May 28, 2025, on the refusal to allow picketing as unlawful. The court ruled in favor of E. Akqozha’s administrative lawsuit[49].

October 15, Almaty, D. Kusheev, R. Karimov, K. Aitmukhanov, and A. Belyansky (Article 194 of the Criminal Code of the RK). During the jury trial, Judge B. Bakirbaev declared the proceedings invalid and stated that new jurors would be selected. A new trial has been scheduled for October 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. [50].

October 15, Taraz: For two months, residents of Sh. Murtaza and Aksha-Batyr streets have been living without water. A video message was recorded by the residents to the city and regional authorities, asking for help. “We can’t wash clothes, bathe, or even boil water for tea. Before, at least a thin stream was flowing. Now there is not a drop”, the residents said[51].

October 15, Stepnogorsk Institution No. 4, M. Zhylanbaev (Article 405, Part 2, Article 258, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years’ imprisonment). Lawyer D. Maluga and M. Zhylanbaev’s associates visited Stepnogorsk to meet with him. Prison staff continue to violate the rights of Marat and his lawyer by confiscating working documents that the lawyer takes with him when leaving after meeting with Marat, according to human rights defenders[52].

October 16, Almaty: KIBHR journalist A. Grishin explains why it is so difficult to obtain asylum in Kazakhstan. Final decisions are made by commissions of local authorities consisting of akimat employees, Ministry of Labor employees, and migration police. Therefore, it is not worth your hopes being raised about obtaining asylum in Kazakhstan[53].

October 16, Aktobe: The court finished reviewing the lawsuit that M. Dauylov had filed against the Akim of Aktobe. The lawsuit was about getting the decision regarding the “local-scale natural emergency” of March 29, 2024, canceled. The court’s decision: to throw out the lawsuit. The Akim of Aktobe’s decision regarding the state of emergency does not infringe upon the plaintiff’s rights or legitimate interests at this time[54][55].

October 17, Kazakhstan launched a petition against Article 286, Paragraph 16 of the Tax Code. According to the petition’s authors, this provision actually deprives taxpayers of the right to deduct expenses from transactions with entrepreneurs operating under a simplified system[56].

October 17, Stepnogorsk Institution No. 4, M. Zhylanbaev (Article 405, Part 2, Article 258, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years’ imprisonment). The saga “Head of Institution No. 4 K. Tulakov does not grant power of attorney” continues. The matter at hand is the issuance of a power of attorney from M. Zhylanbaev to B. Toregozhina[57].

October 17, Stepnogorsk Institution No. 4, M. Zhylanbaev (Article 405, Part 2, Article 258, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years’ imprisonment). The Committee of the Criminal Executive System confirmed the hunger strike that was announced by convict prisoner M. Zhylanbaev[58].

October 17, Taraz: “Some serious violations were found as a result of fieldwork in schools in the Zhambyl region. Anonymous surveys of schoolchildren revealed that the administration of some educational institutions distorts the results of psychological questionnaires. These questionnaires indicate zero rates of bullying and violence”, said Children’s Rights Commissioner D. Zakieva[59].

October 17, Almaty: A preliminary hearing was held in the case of M. Bishuinov by Medeu District Court No. 2 for Criminal Cases. He is charged under Article 174, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the RK. The court scheduled the main trial for October 22 at 10 a.m.[60].

October 17, Warsaw: The situation with the rights to freedom of assembly and association was reported on by R. Zhantasov. “In the first nine months of 2025, more than 97% of cases under Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK were settled with convictions. The total amount of fines amounted to 26,183,240 tenge. There were also 208 administrative arrests”[61].

October 17, Turkestan Region: On September 25, 2025, the Kentau Prosecutor’s Office opened a criminal case into the torture of Uzbek citizen D. Tursinbaev at the police department. According to the Christian community Jehovah’s Witnesses, however, there has been no progress so far[62].

October 17, Kostanay: Police officer S. Tlegenov of Kostanay filed a report under Article 73-3, Part 3 of the RK Code of Administrative Offenses for “defamation” against N. Ginyatov, the chairman of the “Human Rights Center of the Kostanay Region”. The report was filed based on a complaint by G. Musagazina, the Kostanay Region’s deputy akim, for an allegedly false publication. [63].

October 19, Almaty: A request for help was made to President Tokayev by residents of Akademgorodok, which is located on Al-Farabi Street. “The Al-Farabi Business Center project is planned in close proximity to our residences. It will prevent sunlight and fresh mountain air from entering our homes”[64].

October 20, Astana: A national video surveillance system is planned to be introduced by the government in the future. Zh. Madiev, the deputy minister of artificial intelligence and digital development, reported to the Senate that the system will recognize faces in all public spaces throughout the country[65].

October 20, Astana: According to a statement by the Astana Prosecutor’s Office press service, the practice of recognizing citizens as victims of political repression through the courts has been discontinued in order to “stop dependent payments.” [66].

October 20, Astana: The initiative group’s representatives once again submitted documents to the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan to register the political party “Alga, Kazakhstan!” This is the 26th attempt at registration. The Ministry of Justice had previously refused to register the party 25 times, and they did so without having any legal grounds to do so[67].

October 20, Astana, political prisoner L. Anafina (Articles 379 and 380 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 1.5 years’ imprisonment) was released early after paying a fine in lieu of the remaining term.

October 20, Almaty region, Zhaugashty village, A. Tleuzhanova (Article 272, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 4 years’ imprisonment). “Malaise, general weakness, severe dizziness, fainting spells,” said lawyer A. Aidarkhanova about the health condition of the activist and journalist[68].

Workers at the Zhassyl El-Taraz municipal utility company went on strike. They are demanding better working conditions. They also want clarification on other issues related to the company’s operations[69].

October 20, Akmola Region, Bulandynsky District: Residents of Tastyozek say they can no longer rely on the local authorities for support and must appeal to President K. Tokayev. They are asking the state to fulfill its direct responsibilities of ensuring the right to a decent life and access to medicine, water, roads, and electricity[70].

October 21, Astana: The YouTube channel “Prosto Zhurnalistika” has been taken down, according to a report by journalist L. Akhmedyarov. In an official response, it was stated by the YouTube administration that this was due to a violation of privacy rules in a specific video[71].

October 21, Astana: A court hearing was held regarding the administrative claim filed by D. Okremova against the State Agency’s Internal Policy Department of Astana. The claim sought to declare the refusal to provide information about planned events from March to July 2025 illegal. However, the court ruled to dismiss the lawsuit and demanded that Okremova first file a complaint with the Ministry of Culture[72][73].

October 21, Semey: The court sentenced activist N. Sembay to six days in jail under Article 488, Part 7 of the RK Code of Administrative Offenses. He was arrested for reposting, on May 22, 2025, a publication by M. Ablyazov on his Facebook page that called for an unauthorized rally on May 31, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., on the “Day of Remembrance for Victims of Political Repression”[74].

October 21, Astana: the human rights initiative Queer.kz reported that A. Agishev, an LGBT activist, had been released from the military enlistment office. A. Agishev was illegally detained and held in the military enlistment office for over a day, according to earlier reports. According to Queer.kz, physical force was used against Agishev during his detention and his right to communicate with his family and receive legal assistance was violated[75].

October 21, Statement by Human Rights Defenders: We appeal to the institutions of the European Union and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) regarding the arrest of Kazakh citizen A. Bakibay, assistant to the Kazakh military attaché in Ukraine. We believe that you should not provide assistance to the Akorda regime in its efforts to save its officers. We are convinced that any form of assistance in the case of A. Bakibay should be directly associated with the release of Kazakh political prisoners[76].

October 21, Astana: Journalist A. Niyazov was accused of inciting ethnic hatred. Blogger D. Kuzair wrote a statement against A. Niyazov under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the RK because of a joke about a skullcap. The reason for appealing to the authorities was the release of the YouTube show “Prozharka”[77].

October 21, Almaty: A. Mameshova, an activist, is facing charges under Article 274, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK for “spreading knowingly false information”. Her lawyer, G. Nurpeisov, and supporters are demanding the termination of her criminal prosecution, citing the absence of corpus delicti in her actions. The criminal prosecution is seen by human rights activists as having a political background[78].

October 22, Information on detentions, arrests, and fines in the lead-up to the nationwide rallies announced for October 25, 2025. This information was provided by the human rights foundation Ar.Rukh.Khak and was gathered from public internet sources[79].

October 22, Semey, E. Dosanov, Article 488, Part 6 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan,10 days of arrest. Grounds for arrest: Posting on TikTok on August 17, 2025, showing E. Dosanov jogging in a T-shirt bearing an image of M. Zhylanbaev[80].

October 22, Pavlodar region, village of Bayet, Zh. Zhamaliyev was arrested for 15 days under Article 488, Part 12 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for allegedly calling for a rally on October 25, 2025, on Facebook on October 17, 2025. Earlier, on October 21, Zh. Zhamaliyev submitted an official notification to the akimat about holding a peaceful rally. He went on a hunger strike to protest his illegal arrest and the prosecutor’s office’s inaction[81].

October 22, Almaty Region, Karasai District: Teachers at L. Tolstoy School appealed to President K. Tokayev, requesting protection from their principal’s actions. The teachers claim that Principal K. Abdimutalipov is rude and disrespectful to staff, yet the education authorities have found no violations in his work.[82].

October 22: A bold statement was made by Z. Batalova, former Member of Parliament and president of the Public Association “Fund for the Development of Parliamentarism in Kazakhstan”, in which citizens were invited to participate in the Public Working Group on Parliamentary Reform[83].

October 22, Astana: E. Yeshkhozhin was arrested for 15 days under Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the RK for participating in a run in support of political prisoner M. Zhylanbaev. In response to his illegal arrest, E. Yeshkhozhin declared a hunger strike. [84].

October 23, Astana: The police department in the capital refused to open a criminal case against Minister A. Saparov based on a statement by agricultural expert K. Pavlov. The head of the department was accused by the expert of spreading false information about Kazakhstan’s 100% self-sufficiency in dairy products. Despite the statistical data provided and the admissions of ministry representatives, law enforcement officials did not find any evidence of a crime.[85].

October 23, Atyrau: At Z. Kabdolov Secondary School No. 40, teacher Aset Anuarbekuly hit a student named Aibat for turning to his neighbor at the desk during class. The parents reported the incident to the police and filed a complaint under Article 140 of the Criminal Code of the RK, which deals with failure to fulfill obligations to raise a minor and cruel treatment[86].

October 23, Almaty: The press conference, titled “The Health Condition of Political Prisoners is Alarming”, was held. The public is calling for parliamentary hearings on the case of D. Mukhammedkarim and A. Tleuzhan. Their physical health has significantly worsened, yet they are not receiving proper medical treatment[87].

October 23, Astana: Activists are receiving mass refusals to hold peaceful assemblies. City authorities deny permits for various reasons. Akimats were caught lying on numerous occasions, as the squares and parks were empty. What is the reason for the city akimats’ prohibition of rallies and disregard for the Constitutional Court’s decision?[88].

October 23, Almaty Region: Talgar Lawyer A. Kusainova visited Almasbek Sadyrbayev in the temporary detention facility. She discovered many violations there. For example, four detainees were held in a 7-square-meter cell. During his 15 days in custody, Sadyrbayev was permitted only two walks, at his request, according to the lawyer [89].

October 24, Uralsk, B. Shambulov was sentenced to ten days in jail under Article 488, Part 7 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for a Facebook post about a nationwide rally on October 25, 2025, in Uralsk on M. Mametova Square at 12:00 p.m. [90].

October 24, Uralsk, M. Yeskendirova was sentenced to ten days in jail under Article 488, Part 7 of the Code of Administrative Offenсes of the RK. She was arrested for her speech in the city square on September 20, 2025, during which she demanded the release of political prisoners and advocated for increased pensions and benefits and reduced food prices[91].

October 25, Astana, A. Sabitov was sentenced to 15 days in jail under Article 488, Part 7 of the Code of Administrative Offenсes of the RK for participating in a protest with the slogan “Marat Zhylanbaevka bostandyk!” on the Esil River embankment near the Khan Kenesary monument on August 17, 2025. He was protesting price and VAT increases, as well as the declining standard of living [92].

October 26, Astana: All regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan now have a psychological support center, as announced by the Ministry of Education. During the first nine months of 2025, these centers provided assistance to over 23,000 individuals. Of those, about 14,000 were children, and more than 9,000 were parents who received personal consultations and psychological assistance[93].

October 26, Almaty, B. Toregozhina: According to our information, more than 70 people have been detained nationwide. We hope to identify everyone who has been detained, determine their full names and cities, and establish the articles under which they were detained. In addition to activists, random bystanders who had nothing to do with the rallies were also detained. Their outrage and indignation are valid[94].

October 27, Aktau: Blogger A. Sarsenbaev reported: “The investigator invited me as a ‘witness with the right to defense’ in response to a complaint filed by Judge Dossetov. He accused me of slander and of knowingly spreading false information under Article 411 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan”[95].

October 28, Astana: The court’s decision regarding the protection of SpetsTradeTM LLP’s business reputation was announced. SpetsTrade™ LLP filed a lawsuit against the online media outlet Sotreport.kz regarding its January 27, 2025 publication entitled “Road Infrastructure as a Means of Enrichment: The Story of One Company”. The court found no grounds to recognize the publication as inaccurate or damaging to the business’s reputation[96].

October 28, Almaty: In the case of D. Kusheev, R. Karimov, K. Aitmukhanov, and A. Belyansky (Article 194 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan), Judge G. Shalabaeva held a new preliminary hearing. The charge remains the same. It is extortion on an especially large scale. The judge is trying to select the jury[97].

October 28, Astana: “At the eleventh hour, the Ministry of Culture invited me and other human rights activists to a meeting of the Mazhilis working group. At this meeting, amendments to the law on archival matters were discussed. One of the topics of discussion was the prohibition of ‘propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation and pedophilia’. None of us had a copy of the amendments,» said T. Chernobyl[98].

October 29, Astana: Following the transformation of parliament into a unicameral body, Kazakhstan will expand the institution’s powers, though the presidential form of government will remain in place. According to State Councilor E. Karin, the composition of its deputies will be determined by a proportional election system, though a majority system will also be used at the local level[99].

October 29, Astana: The Mazhilis is once again considering a law that would ban LGBT propaganda in Kazakhstan. “Yesterday, we reviewed and adopted the amendments. These provisions on banning propaganda do not prohibit people with this orientation”, it was said by Deputy I. Smirnova[100].

October 29, Konaev: An attack on the White Bim animal shelter, located in the Zhambyl district of the Almaty region, was reported by Natalya Sulzhik, the shelter’s head. The attackers, who were masked and unknown, assaulted an employee and caused damage to the facility. The police stated that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident and will release a statement at a later time[101].

October 29: A boarding house for pregnant women in need of social and medical support has opened in the Abai region. The primary goal of the boarding house is to ensure the safety of pregnancy and childbirth for women residing in remote and hard-to-reach settlements[102].

October 29, Astana: “Deepfakes are turning into a danger to Kazakhstan’s national safety”, declared Mazhilis representative Sergey Ponomarev. “The quality of fakes is improving, and with it the risks of public opinion being manipulated, state bodies being discredited, and the socio-political situation being destabilized”[103].

October 29, Astana: Kazakhstan is preparing to transition to a unicameral parliament. State Councilor E. Karin announced this at a meeting with journalists. However, the meeting was closed to the public. Only those deemed necessary were invited to attend. The state advisor was asked questions by Qazaqstan, Tizgin.kz, Abay Life, Vlast, and Jibek Joly[104].

October 29, Pavlodar region: The prosecutor was supposed to appear before Zh. Zhamaliyev (Article 488, Part 12 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 15 day of arrest), as Zhanat intended to file a complaint about the illegality of his arrest. However, the prosecutor did not appear. The activist believes that this shows that the authorities are ignoring his rights and that they are delaying the response on purpose[105].

October 30, Uralsk: B. Utebaev, Article 488, Part 7 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, fine in the amount of 137,620 tenge. The police detained the 62-year-old activist using force. On October 29, the activist announced a personal protest action in front of the city administration building starting at 11 a.m. He had a poster with the words “Hunger strike. We demand the right to peaceful assembly”[106].

October 30, Almaty: “Yesterday, after the publication of our Appeal to the EU leaders, ‘POLITICAL PRISONERS IN EXCHANGE FOR A SPY’, I was subjected to another wave of disinformation. This disinformation came from fake accounts. These accounts are actively spreading it on social media. I suspect that the special services were behind this”, said B. Toregozhina[107].

Lawyer D. Malyuga reported: Mr. Zhylanbaev’s protest of injustice and violations of his rights continues in the form of a hunger strike. His health is a cause for concern. The Public Monitoring Commission has not visited him. The power of attorney for B. Toregozhina has not been issued. Video calls are still not permitted. My appeal and the normative resolution of the Supreme Court of the Republic were confiscated on my way to meet with Marat. The reasoning is standard — it’s censorship”[108].

October 30, Astana, The Prosecutor General’s Office is pursuing the extradition of D. Smailova, the founder of the NeMolchiKZ foundation, to Kazakhstan, according to Deputy Prosecutor General G. Koigeldiev. “We are seeking her extradition. Criminal cases have been opened against her. The cases have a mercenary motive”, G. Koigeldiev said[109].

October 30, Almaty: During a roundtable discussion titled “Improving Personal Data Security in Non-Governmental Organizations in Kazakhstan”, the Erkindik Kanaty Foundation presented a study on personal data protection in Kazakhstani NGOs. Experts warn that the law is often used as a tool for intimidation. In Kazakhstan, data protection is often used as a pretext by officials to question the legitimacy of the activities of independent NGOs[110].

October 30, Abai region: Modern video payphones have been installed in the colony. This allows female prisoners to communicate with their loved ones via video link. This makes communication more lively and emotional. Each prisoner is assigned a unique identification code, and calls are exclusively permitted to numbers that have been preregistered in their personal dossier. [111].

October 30, Atyrau: The preventive measure imposed on blogger K. Idrisova was changed by the investigative court, and she was released from custody and placed under house arrest. The resolution was arrived at in consideration of her pregnancy and health condition. The investigative authorities will supervise her at home until the investigation is complete[112].

October 31, Karaganda Region: The residents of Volkovskoye village recorded a video message for President Tokayev. In it, they drew attention to the broken road that children travel on every day. The school bus must cross a long stretch of uneven roads every day to transport students to the neighboring village where their school is located. Residents have stated that they have made repeated appeals to the local government and other authorities, but repairs to the thoroughfare have not yet commenced[113].

October 31, Almaty: “For the past three months, we have been conducting webinars for novice human rights defenders. It has turned out to be a huge undertaking, requiring patience and perseverance. It has been a real journey with our participants into the worlds of law, human rights, and civic activism. With the support of the UK Government for International Development, the project helps anyone who wants to understand and defend human rights in their own region”, said B. Toregozhina[114].

October 31, Almaty: The MediaNet International Journalism Center organized the international forum “InternetCA” in Almaty. The forum was titled “Free Internet for Free Societies: Ideas and Solutions,» it is irrelevant to discuss free societies in the context of the region. Two panel discussions addressed the lack of freedom of speech in Central Asia and the presence of aggressive Russian propaganda in the region[115].

[1] https://www.facebook.com/reel/1684320802265284

[2] https://www.facebook.com/reel/1097144375925340

[3]https://www.facebook.com/toregozhina/posts/pfbid02qphFVopNaV4toWjPJv5m4cLsKk7APU73wGgLWKhgegULirWTjCS5cgqrTXFW37Gel

[4] https://bureau.kz/novosti/resheniya-bez-posledstvij/

[5] https://kz.kursiv.media/2025-10-01/dnrm-rassledovaniye-nachali-v-selskom-dome-kultury-posle-zhalob-sotrudnikov/?utm_source=kursiv&utm_campaign=read_more

[6] https://surl.li/zsvzyc

[7] https://www.instagram.com/p/DQZBMCODD7u/?img_index=1&igsh=MWsyaWQzZW1mYWw1dQ%3D%3D

[8]https://www.facebook.com/groups/2613737598955074/?multi_permalinks=4049169398745213&hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen

[9] https://www.the-village-kz.com/village/city/news-city/41945-kazahstan-prodolzhit-dobivatsya-ekstraditsii-pravozaschitnitsy-diny-tansari

[10] https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActivistsNotExtremists/posts/4330320317287218/

[11] https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActivistsNotExtremists/posts/4328807160771867/

[12] https://semeyainasy.media/2025/10/03/v-oblasti-abaj-za-dva-mesyacza-vyyavleno-pochti-10-tysyach-pravonarushenij-v-hode-opm-uchastok/