DEVELOPMENTS IN POLITICALLY MOTIVATED PERSECUTION MONTHLY MONITORING REPORT 1-31 JULY 2026

JUL 1, 2026 — ALMATY — Civil activist Ms Sanovar Zakirova has served a pre-action protocol letter of claim upon the AMANAT party, alongside its purported legal successor, the Ädilet party, formally demanding the initiation of an internal inquiry, the full voluntary restitution of material loss, and the compensation awarded for non-pecuniary harm. ^[1]

JUL 1, 2026 — KOSTANAY — Civil activist Mr Ilyas Aitzhan has been charged pursuant to Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which criminalises acts intended to incite social discord. He was subsequently arrested and placed in pre-trial detention. Mr Aitzhan’s prosecution arises directly from his public advocacy for the registration of independent political parties, the protection of freedom of expression, and the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. In furtherance of these civic objectives, Mr Aitzhan disseminated various public statements, articles, and commentary via digital platforms. ^[2]

JUL 2, 2026 — BAIKONUR — Mr Roman Belov, a national of the Republic of Kazakhstan born in 1979, who practised professionally as a tattoo artist, has been subjected to unlawful extra-territorial apprehension, arbitrary detention, and politically motivated prosecution by the authorities of the Russian Federation. Mr Belov was demonstrably vocal in his opposition to the Russian Federation’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. He is currently facing spurious allegations of espionage under the relevant provisions of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. State organs allege that he transmitted classified information to an unidentified third party. Mr Belov is presently remanded in pre-trial detention situated in the city of Orenburg. ^[3]

JUL 2, 2026 — ASTANA — The new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan has entered into force. The preliminary judicial proceedings in the claim brought by the Legal Media Centre against the Ministry of Culture and Information concerning the refusal of the respondent department to disclose information, detailing the aggregate amount of budgetary allocations distributed to non-state media entities, exposed systemic legal uncertainty inherent within the domestic legislative framework governing freedom of information and public accountability. ^[4]

JUL 2, 2026 — ALMATY — The formal indictment in respect of Ms Gulnara Bazhkenova, who has been placed under house arrest pursuant to Articles 274, 214, and 189 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, identified eleven individuals as alleged victims within the framework of the prosecution. While the court hearing was formally designated as open to the public, representatives of the media were segregated from the main courtroom and accommodated in a separate room designated for remote broadcasts. In the course of these proceedings, acute technical deficiencies rendered the audio transmission from the courtroom via the television system extremely poor. The public session proceeded with the reading of the charges by the prosecuting authority. Ms Bazhkenova formally maintains her position of innocence and denies all charges brought against her. ^[5]

JUL 2, 2026 — ASTANA — The Amanat Party formally declined to participate in the election of deputies to the Kurultai (the new unicameral legislature of Kazakhstan). This development was formally communicated via a statement issued by the Chair of the Central Election Commission, Mr Nurlan Abdirov. ^[6]

JUL 2, 2026 — KYZYLORDA — Ms Gulnaz Serikbayeva, a civil society actor, was subjected to criminal prosecution and subsequently convicted of the statutory offence of inciting inter-ethnic discord, pursuant to Article 174(1) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The court imposed a custodial sentence of three years’ imprisonment. The evidentiary foundation relied upon by the prosecution comprised specific public commentary disseminated via the Facebook platform. The impugned commentary addressed the bilateral visa-free arrangements currently operating between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the People’s Republic of China, and critical evaluations concerning the territorial integrity of Ukraine in the context of the military occupation by the Russian Federation. ^[7]

JUL 2, 2026 — ATYRAU — Ms Olessya Vertinskaya, a practising journalist, was subjected to proceedings before the administrative court of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The court returned a finding of guilt against the subject in respect of an alleged contravention of Article 73-3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan and imposed a financial penalty quantified at KZT 778,500. The competent authorities asserted that the content disseminated via Instagram account designated as Будет гром constituted false information. ^[8]

JUL 2, 2026 — NEW YORK, NY — Human Rights Watch: «Authorities in Kazakhstan routinely violate the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and freedom of association, and misuse overbroad criminal charges in counter-extremism legislation to target government critics and others». ^[9]

JUL 3, 2026 — ALMATY — Members of the press have reported systemic obstruction during the criminal trial of Mr Adiletkhan Moldakhanov, brought under Article 274(3) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (relating to the dissemination of knowingly false information). Journalists in attendance submit that the courtroom doors were locked from the outside during the hearings, constituting a material interference with their capacity to discharge their professional functions. This practice, initially observed during the preceding sitting, was repeated during the resumed proceedings the following day. ^[10]

JUL 4, 2026 — ALMATY — Attention has been drawn to grave allegations arising from the criminal proceedings associated with KazTAG news agency. It has been formally reported by legal representatives acting on behalf of journalists involved in the matter that their respective WhatsApp accounts were subjected to unauthorised access and compromise amounting to unlawful hacking. ^[11]

JUL 4, 2026 — ALMATY — According to representations submitted by legal counsel, the ongoing detention of Mr Olzhas Suleimen, currently facing criminal proceedings under Articles 249, 189, 190, 296, and 385 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is unlawful. The defence submits that Judge Bakirbayev failed to make a formal judicial order extending Mr Suleimen’s period of remand in custody in accordance with the mandatory statutory six-month or twelve-month increments prescribed by domestic criminal procedural law. ^[12]

JUL 4, 2026 — LONDON — Journalist Ms Irina Petrushova reported: «Following the restriction of access to WhatsApp, my mobile telephone experienced a significant influx of unsolicited automated communications. This activity commenced with an initial 121 calls, eventually subsiding following the 545th instance. The communications originated from a diverse range of international jurisdictions, including the United States, Croatia, Lithuania, Cyprus, Denmark, Ukraine, France, the Czech Republic, and Bulgaria, with no domestic British identifiers recorded.» ^[13]

JUL 6, 2026 — WASHINGTON, DC — In its annual Freedom on the Net survey, Freedom House consistently designates Kazakhstan as «Not Free», reflecting an aggregate score of 37 out of 100. Of particular note, under the specific indicator assessing whether individuals are penalised for online activities protected under international human rights standards, Kazakhstan was awarded only 2 out of a possible 6 points. ^[14]

JUL 7, 2026 — ALMATY — Multiple independent media practitioners — Messrs Lukpan Akhmedyarov and Askhat Niyazov, Mses Nazymgul Kumyspayeva, Irina Petrushova (Editor-in-Chief, Respublika.kz.media), Alyona Subbotina (KazTAG), Dilnaz Abdulbakiyeva (KazTAG), Liliya Galeyeva (KazTAG) — detailed systematic cyber-attacks and disruption of communications channels. Beyond WhatsApp hijacked Mr Akhmedyarov experienced the targeted suspension of his Instagram profile, alongside sustained barriers impeding access to his Facebook account. ^[15]

JUL 7, 2026 — ORAL — Representations indicate that civil activist Mr Bekbolat Utebayev was detained by law enforcement officers whilst engaged in a hunger strike in the immediate vicinity of the local executive authority premises (akimat). Mr Utebayev was subsequently subjected to formal warning on the grounds of alleged contravention of statutory provisions governing peaceful assemblies and single-person picketing. He was later released from custody. ^[16]

JUL 7, 2026 — ASTANA — The Erkindik Qanaty Foundation formally announced its decision to abstain from monitoring the parliamentary elections to Kurultai, citing that prevailing law enforcement practices and administrative restrictions had effectively reduced the function of independent election observers at polling stations to a mere nominal presence, thereby undermining meaningful civil society oversight. ^[17]

JUL 7, 2026 — ASTANA — Accreditation for the purpose of conducting election monitoring in respect of the Kurultai parliamentary elections was formally sought and obtained from the Central Election Commission by three designated bodies: the Eurasian Integration Institute LLP, DATAmetrics LLP, and the Institute of Public Policy. ^[18]

JUL 7, 2026 — ALMATY — Civil society actors Ms Sanavar Zakirova, Messrs Alnur Ilyashev, and Marat Turymbetov have issued a renewed declaration of intent regarding the establishment of a political party, to be designated “Our Right”. The proposed entity’s policy platform encompasses, inter alia, advocating for a reduction in the statutory pensionable age and the reinstatement of the preceding time-zone alignments. ^[19]

JUL 8, 2026 — KOSTANAY — The Instagram account operated by the independent media outlet Наша Газета was subjected to coordinated and vexatious waves of spurious copyright infringement complaints. This orchestrated campaign resulted in the systemic removal of lawful journalistic publications. Furthermore, the primary orchestrator of these cyber-harassment attacks explicitly demanded a financial extortion payment of US$1,000 to cease the administrative disruption and restore access to suppressed communications. ^[20]

JUL 8, 2026 — ORAL — «Уральская неделя« published a report via its Instagram account concerning the the reset of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s presidential term. The publication served as a focal point for public discourse, attracting a substantial volume of engagement from citizens expressing opposition to perpetual presidential rule. In the early hours of the morning following publication, the respective social media accounts were abruptly blocked. The restriction was enacted following an ad-hoc complaint submitted by an individual or entity operating under the pseudonymous moniker “Don Pedro”. ^[21]

JUL 8, 2026 — ASTANA — The Prosecutor General’s Office reminded citizens of the statutory framework and procedural requirements governing preparations for parliamentary elections to the Kurultai. The nomination and registration periods for party lists remained open until 23 July, to be followed by the formal election campaign. ^[22].

JUL 8, 2026 — PARIS — Reporters Without Borders (RSF) catalogued the death of journalist Mr Aidos Sadykov within its substantive findings on transnational repression targeting media workers, subsequently issuing an analytical briefing paper titled National Security as a Weapon Against Journalism. ^[23]

JUL 9, 2026 — MONTENEGRO — The initiative formerly recognised as the #НеМолчи movement has transitioned into a formal organisational structure designated as the NeMolchi Network. The network has formally inaugurated the Не Молчи Foundation, marking a significant milestone in its international operational capacity. ^[24]

JUL 9, 2026 — ALMATY — Journalist Ms Gulnara Bazhkenova, currently subject to house arrest in the Republic of Kazakhstan under Article 274, 214(2) and 189(4) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, appeared before Court No. 2 of the Bostandyk District. The defendant was subjected to judicial examination regarding the charges pertaining to the alleged misappropriation or embezzlement of property by an organised group. Following a formal adjournment of the proceedings, Ms Bazhkenova experienced an acute deterioration in her medical condition. Consequently, emergency medical assistance was required, and she was removed from the courtroom premises via ambulance for urgent medical evaluation and treatment. ^[25]

JUL 9, 2026 — ALMATY — According to evidence submitted by Ms Irina Mednikova, Director of the Media Development Foundation (MISK), the official Instagram account of the League of Young Voters was subjected to the arbitrary suspension. This restrictive measure occurred immediately following the publication of an institutional announcement detailing the launch of a comprehensive independent election-monitoring campaign directed at the Kurultai (national assembly). ^[26]

JUL 9, 2026 — ASTANA — Civil society organisations and human rights defenders have issued a formal public appeal addressed to the Head of State, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The petition calls for the immediate resignation of the Ombudsman for Human Rights (Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Kazakhstan), Mr Arthur Lastayev. The signatories ground their call upon an assessment of the unsatisfactory efficacy and tangible outcomes of the Ombudsman’s institutional mandate over the period spanning 2023 to 2026. ^[27]

JUL 10, 2026 — ALMATY — Legal representation for civil society activist Mr Sanzhar Bokayev, Mr Radmir Utepov, has officially confirmed that the investigative court ordered a further extension of Mr Bokaev’s pre-trial detention within a facility operated by the National Security Committee (KNB) of the Republic of Kazakhstan until 18 August 2026. Mr Bokayev faces multiple criminal charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, specifically allegations concerning large-scale misappropriation or theft of funds under Article 190(4), dissemination of knowingly false information, and organising the felling of trees within the Baum Grove in Almaty under Article 340(3). Mr Bokaev is currently held. ^[28]

JUL 11, 2026 — KARAGANDA — Ms Gulsum Kozhakhmetova, acting in her capacity as a representative of the Karaganda regional branch of the Ädilet political party, formally declined to engage in dialogue with constituents and members of the public. Despite the assembly of local citizens seeking to raise matters of substantive public concern, the representative’s response was restricted to a directive to submit a formal appointment request. ^[29]

JUL 11, 2026 — ALMATY — The Specialised Inter-District Economic Court formally handed down its ruling dismissing the application brought by Mr Alnur Ilyashev. The application sought relief by way of reinstatement of the limitation period to lodge an appeal against the primary judicial determination concerning the compulsory dissolution of the public association known as the Democratic Party of Kazakhstan «AZAT». ^[30]

JUL 12, 2026 — LONDON — Documentary evidence received from investigative journalist Ms Irina Petrushova confirms that a concerted campaign of targeted disruption has been initiated against the digital assets of Respublika Media. Two video broadcasts have been arbitrarily removed from the YouTube platform under claims of copyright infringement. A third critical broadcast currently remains under active threat of administrative removal. The entire broadcasting channel now faces an imminent risk of permanent deletion. ^[31]

JUL 12, 2026 — KARAGANDA Region — A public appeal directly to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has been formally registered by Mses U. Magzumova and S. Lebedeva, and fellow residents of the settlement of Molodyozhny, situated within the Osakarov District. The grievance concerns the persistent lack of integration into the central heating grid, prompting an appeal for administrative intervention and remedial action. ^[32]

JUL 12, 2026 — KOSTANAY — Ms Aleksandra Sergazinova, a regional maslikhat member, contested the Zhangeldinsky District Court’s 25 June 2026 determination to discontinue proceedings under Article 73-3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of Republic of Kazakhstan regarding allegations of defamation brought against journalist Mr Baibatyr Akhmetbek. Consequently, she lodged a formal complaint urging the judiciary to adopt a more inquisitorial and robust stance in safeguarding due process.^[33]

JUL 13, 2026 — ALMATY — Mr Mansur Movlaev, a Chechen refugee currently detained pursuant to an extradition order in Almaty, has faced a further judicial prolongation of his detention, now extended to twenty months. This decision marks a significant departure from established domestic practice, under which such administrative detention has historically not exceeded a twelve-month threshold. In response to imminent risks of refoulement and ongoing persecution upon enforced removal, Mr Movlaev has formally petitioned the representative office of the UNHCR in Kazakhstan to secure inclusion within its international refugee resettlement framework. ^[34]

JUL 13, 2026 — ALMATY — Hieromonk Iakov (secular name: Vladimir Vorontsov), a former cleric of the Russian Orthodox Church, prosecuted under Articles 302 and 296 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has been transferred from a psychiatric inpatient facility back to a pre-trial detention centre. This administrative action followed clinical evaluations wherein attending medical professionals determined the absence of any qualifying mental disorder, subsequently declining to recommend or institute compulsory medical treatment. ^[35]

JUL 13, 2026 — ALMATY — Credible representations submitted to the Committee indicate a concerted, large-scale campaign directed against the editorial offices of Elmedia and the private digital accounts of its respective journalists. Evidence tendered by Mr Ayan Sharipbayev reports: «A bot operating under the pseudonym ‘John Wick Photography’ is systematically filing spurious complaints using disposable email addresses.» ^[36]

JUL 13, 2026 — ALMATY — Investigative measures conducted pursuant to Articles 340(3) and 190(4) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan concerning civic activist Mr Sanzhar Bokayev have now concluded, with the case file reportedly prepared for referral to trial. Mr Bokayev remains detained within the pre-trial detention facility administered by the National Security Committee (KNB). ^[37]

JUL 14, 2026 — ALMATY — Ms Aizhan Mameshova was sentenced to two years’ restriction of liberty under Article 274(2) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (dissemination of knowingly false information). Presiding Judge Zhassulan Khussainov also imposed a five-year ancillary prohibition precluding engagement in public activities and publishing. The legal basis of the prosecution derived entirely from content published by Ms Mameshova on Facebook. ^[38]

JUL 14, 2026 — ALMATY — Mr Adiletkhan Moldakhan, a legal practitioner and online commentator, was convicted and sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment under Article 274(3) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which criminalises the dissemination of knowingly false information. The prosecution arose from his publication of a video commentary concerning a fatal road traffic incident, in which he made serious allegations concerning the conduct of the relevant authorities. ^[39]

JUL 14, 2026 — ALMATY — Environmental activist Mr Abay Yerekenov was imposed a financial penalty of KZT 60,550 after the court found him liable for the alleged dissemination of false information under Article 456-2(3) of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. On 28 June 2026, Mr Yerekenov published an article via the Instagram raising matters of legitimate public concern and expressing dissatisfaction with the conduct of public hearings concerning the proposed construction of the Almaty Superski mountain resort. ^[40]

JUL 15, 2026 — ORAL — Outside the municipal administration (akimat) building, civil activist Ms Marua Yeskendirova conducted a solo demonstration, notifying authorities of the commencement of a public hunger strike in protest against systemic restrictions on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly among Kazakhstan citizens. ^[41]

JUL 15, 2026 — ASTANA — The Court has formally dismissed the judicial review claim brought by the Legal Media Centre against the Ministry of Culture and Information, upholding the lawfulness of the Ministry’s refusal to disclose aggregate budgetary allocations to private media outlets. The court concluded that the requested material fell squarely within the statutory framework governing information subject to restricted access. ^[42]

JUL 15, 2026 — ALMATY — Evidence indicates with grave concern the ongoing contraction of civic space and the persistent pressure exerted upon independent media personnel, exemplified by the targeted blocking of Facebook account belonging to journalist Ms Dinara Yegubayeva. In the critical pre-election period preceding the elections to the Kurultai, executive authorities (Akorda) have markedly escalated a systematic campaign of harassment, intimidation, and institutional suppression directed against independent journalists and civil society voices. ^[43]

JUL 16, 2026 — ALMATY — A press conference entitled “The Criminal Prosecution of Mr Sanzhar Bokayev in the Context of the Kurultai Elections: Statement” was convened to draw attention to the physical health and well-being of Mr Bokayev and videographer Mr Ulan Nusipkozha, both of whom face criminal prosecution under Articles 340(3) and 190(4) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The panel of speakers, comprising Messrs Murat Adam, Vladimir Dvoretsky, and Alnur Ilyashev, submitted that, having regard to Mr Bokayev’s prominent standing and public popularity amongst citizens, his detention, compounded by contentious and disputed elements surrounding the alleged offences, cannot be regarded as fortuitous, raising profound concerns regarding the arbitrary application of the law and the potential politically motivated nature of the proceedings. ^[44]

JUL 16, 2026 — ALMATY — Mr Torokul Doorov, Editor-in-Chief of Azattyq Radio, detailed the protracted deferral of press credentials to impede the operational capacity of independent journalism: «The institutional accreditation for eleven Azattyq journalists lapses today. Despite renewal applications having been duly lodged as early as mid-May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has invoked a further two-month procedural extension, effectively deferring any substantive determination until mid-September.» ^[45]

JUL 16, 2026 — AKMOLA Region — Ms R. Samokhvalova, acting alongside local residents of Turgen village within the Arshaly District, formally petitioned the Head of State, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, seeking urgent executive intervention. The grievances centre on systemic failures regarding secure access to potable drinking water, compounded by critical deficiencies in telecommunications infrastructure provided by the network operator activ.kz. Evidence indicates an absolute absence of reliable network coverage within the locality, resulting in acute digital exclusion and effectively isolating residents from essential online public services. ^[46]

JUL 17, 2026 — ORAL — Civil society activist Ms Marua Yeskendirova was subjected to 25 days of administrative detention pursuant to Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The custodial sanction was imposed following her attempt to resume a hunger strike, conducted whilst wearing a garment inscribed with the text “I demand the right to hold peaceful rallies and pickets”, in the proximity of the municipal administration. ^[47]

JUL 18, 2026 — AKTAU — Ms Zhuldyz Azanova, who suffered the preventable loss of her 13-year-old son, Ismail, following a catastrophic delay in the diagnosis and treatment of acute appendicitis, has announced her intention to exercise her right to peaceful assembly by staging a solo demonstration outside the local administrative headquarters in response to the inadequacy of state accountability and institutional redress. Evidence indicates that the child was unjustifiably denied hospital admission on four separate occasions, subjected to inadequate clinical assessment, and deprived of a timely multidisciplinary medical consultation at a critical juncture in his care. Subsequent inspection findings by the Committee for Medical and Pharmaceutical Control formally identified systemic regulatory failures and operational breaches at Polyclinic No. 2 and the regional children’s hospital. Despite these formal acknowledgments of institutional failing, the remedial measures enacted by the Ministry of Health have been deemed wholly insufficient by the bereaved family. ^[48]

JUL 21, 2026 — SEMEY — Mr Nurzhan Sembayev, a civil society activist, was sentenced to a custodial term of six years’ imprisonment pursuant to Articles 258 and 405 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Following judicial proceedings, he was convicted of participating in the activities of public or religious associations proscribed under domestic law, alongside charges relating to the financing of extremist or terrorist activities. In addition to the custodial sentence, the court ordered Mr Sembayev to pay KZT 78,640 into the state victims’ fund, coupled with KZT 1,751,625 in judicial costs associated with classified expert examinations. ^[49]

JUL 21, 2026 — ALMATY — Evidence highlights the precarious situation of Mr Yerkin Sabanshiyev, a civil society activist and former political prisoner. Mr Sabanshiyev has raised serious concerns regarding the alleged fabrication of politically motivated criminal proceedings against him. Furthermore, urgent representations indicate an imminent risk of a residential search and subsequent arbitrary deprivation of liberty by State authorities. ^[50]

JUL 21, 2026 — ASTANA — Evidence highlights a targeted distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack directed against KazTAG news agency. This cyber-incident resulted in the temporary curtailment of the agency’s digital operations and restricted public access to its reporting platform. In response to an anomalous surge in incoming network traffic identified by automated defensive systems and perceived as threat, infrastructure provider, Internet Company PS LLP, instituted emergency mitigation protocols, temporarily restricting international access. ^[51]

JUL 21, 2026 — ASTANA — Mr Azamat Omarov, an independent journalist and founder of the YouTube channel «Akhual Today”, was ubjected to an initial two-month remand in custody pursuant to Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Ädil Söz Freedom of Speech Protection Foundation formally urged the law enforcement authorities and the Prosecutor’s Office to immediately disclose comprehensive particulars regarding Mr Omarov’s detention, his physical whereabouts, the precise statutory offences alleged, and the specific editorial content or publications serving as the predicate for his apprehension. ^[52]

JUL 22, 2026 — KARAGANDA — Mses Ye. Gazizova, D. Alina, and other relatives of individuals, held in a pre-trial detention for a period approaching three years without judicial trial or conviction, addressed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Families have highlighted profound inconsistencies in a criminal investigation conducted by the Karaganda Regional Police Department and the regional Prosecutor’s Office. Most notably, certain defendants reportedly met one another for the first time only after seven months of incarceration. This circumstance severely undermines the prosecution’s central contention that the suspects operated collectively as a single, coordinated organised crime group. ^[53]

JUL 22, 2026 — ASTANA — In a public statement, legal counsel Ms Rena Kerimova publicly challenged Mr Timur Turlov, Head of Freedom Holding Corp., regarding coordinated systemic campaign of targeted cyber-harassment directed against legal representatives acting in defence of Messrs Asset Mataev, Director of KazTAG news agency, and Amir Kasenov, Editor-in-Chief. The evidence details permanent, irrecoverable blocking of primary WhatsApp accounts — noted as an unprecedented restriction — alongside the ongoing suspension of professional Facebook pages exceeding six months in duration. Furthermore, Ms Kerimova, alongside fellow legal representatives Mses Yelena Zhigalenok and Yuliya Malyukova reported, systematic transmission of fraudulent Telegram notifications concerning data breaches and Ms Roza Yessenkulova’s claims for alimony. Digital intimidation also included unsolicited SMS alerts and automated calls originating from foreign jurisdictions, specifically Uzbekistan, abuse of verification codes generated through commercial platforms such as Kaztour, etc. ^[54]

JUL 23, 2026 — ORAL — The independent observers’ association Abyroy was formally notified by the territorial election commission of its disqualification from observing the forthcoming Kurultai elections. The removal was justified on minor linguistic discrepancies, asserting that the terminology employed to designate «observer» in the Kazakh-language documentation was technically non-compliant. Evidence submitted by Mr Lukpan Akhmedyarov, Chair of the Abyroy public association, details the basis of the commission’s decision: «We used the word ‘бакылаушы‘ when preparing the documents; the commission claims that the word is written incorrectly. It is necessary to use the word ‘байқаушы‘. That was precisely the reason for our removal.” The association intends to seek judicial redress by challenging the commission’s determination through domestic legal proceedings. ^[55]

JUL 24, 2026 — ASTANA — According to testimony provided by legal counsel Mr Tolegen Shaikov, acting alongside Ms Venera Mustafina, both of them were was subjected to an arbitrary two-hour delay before being permitted access to Mr Azamat Omarov, prosecuted under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, at the temporary detention facility. Mr Shaikov reported that the investigating officer entered the detainee’s cell in the absence of legal representation, while institutional authorities withheld this information from counsel. Counsel was prevented from delivering copies of five crucial case-related applications to the defendant. Furthermore, documentation brought by Mr Omarov’s spouse was summarily confiscated upon arrival at the facility and withheld until her departure, severely obstructing the preparation of an effective legal defence. ^[56]

JUL 24, 2026 — PARIS — Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) has strongly condemned the two-month pre-trial detention of independent journalist Mr Azamat Omarov. Mr Omarov faces prosecution under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan in connection with online satirical commentary concerning the State executive. The purported charge of «incitement to discord» should be withdrawn forthwith, the ongoing remand in custody terminated, and full restitution made of his seized professional equipment. ^[57]

JUL 25, 2026 — KYZYLORDA — Mr Duman Mukhammedkarim, currently serving a seven-year custodial sentence at Detention Facility No. 60 pursuant to Articles 258 and 405 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, reportedly ingested a battery as a deliberate act of protest against the substandard conditions of detention within the penal establishment. The incident was brought to public attention by his father, Mr Almas Tilepov, in communications with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Kazakh Service. Mr Tilepov highlighted a marked severe deterioration in his son’s physical well-being, disclosing that in July, Mr Mukhammedkarim had similarly «ingested harmful objects» in an attempt to compel a prison transfer to a facility in closer proximity to Almaty. These accounts were subsequently formally corroborated by the regional Department of the Penal Enforcement System. ^[58]

JUL 25, 2026 — KOSTANAY — The digital channels of the independent publication Наша Газета, which commands an established audience of 220,000 followers, were summarily rendered inaccessible following a notification from the Meta/Instagram citing an alleged infringements of intellectual property rights. Subsequent internal investigations by the editorial board revealed the suspension to be the direct result of a coordinated extortion campaign. During the preceding four-week period, the perpetrators issued anonymous communications explicitly making the withdrawal of a pattern of vexatious and fraudulent copyright complaints conditional upon the remittance of $1,000 USD. ^[59]

JUL 27, 2026 — ASTANA — The independent digital publication Ötkir Kürek submitted evidence regarding systemic pressure directed against the editorial staff during the electoral period. The journalists indicate that, commencing on 23 July, the publication’s Instagram account was subjected to targeted interference. Concurrently, the outlet experienced large-scale content removal facilitated through mass notifications alleging copyright infringement processed via Meta’s moderation infrastructure. In response to these developments, the editorial leadership has formally called upon the State authorities to establish clear accountability regarding the provenance of these attacks, furnish a rigorous legal assessment of the incidents, and facilitate remedial engagement to secure the immediate cessation of unwarranted content suppression by Meta. ^[60]

JUL 27, 2026 — ORAL — Journalist Mr Lukpan Akhmedyarov reported that his Facebook account was arbitrarily blocked following his publication of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s remarks in Omsk regarding the conflict in Ukraine. This digital interference was compounded by an incident in Astana where unidentified perpetrators vandalised his vehicle by dousing it in paint. Similar methods of digital obstruction were reported by journalist Ms Dinara Yegubayeva, who described her Instagram account as being subject to persistent interference, involving cyclical removal and forced restoration. Correspondingly, the operational capacity of the independent media outlet UralskWeek.kz has been severely impeded through the systematic blocking of its official Instagram presence. ^[61]

JUL 27, 2026 — ALMATY — A public briefing entitled “A New Electoral Reality for Non-Party Candidates: Statement on the Establishment of a Public and Political Movement” was held at the SmArt Point venue. Contributions were made by Ms Gaukhar Tanasheva and Mr Vladimir Dvoretsky (both former members of the Mazhilis), alongside Mr Rustem Amangeldy (a former legislative candidate) and Mr Alnur Ilyashev (a prominent civil society actor). Discussions centred on the formal establishment of an advocacy platform dedicated to independent and non-party candidates, serious allegations concerning the systemic disenfranchisement of approximately 11 million citizens in relation to meaningful electoral choice, the imperative to secure effective transmission of public demands to state authorities, and proposals regarding the formulation of a collective “people’s contract” to articulate civic grievances. ^[62]

JUL 27, 2026 — LONDON — Journalist Ms Irina Petrushova drew attention to the emergence of a fraudulent YouTube channel entitled “DINARION”. The channel created on 23 July 2026 hosted three videos utilising AI-generated image and voice replication to impersonate journalist Ms Dinara Yegubayeva, who operates the legitimate channel under that name. Ms Yegubayeva subsequently appealed to the public to report the counterfeit channel, which appears to have been engineered to undermine her professional standing and integrity. ^[63]

JUL 27, 2026 — ASTANA — The Legal Media Centre reported that its public web infrastructure had been compromised by an unauthorised cyber intrusion. According to the organisation, malicious code was introduced into system-level files to facilitate search engine indexing manipulation, causing external queries to return altered page displays with extraneous content. The Centre further stated that the implanted script established persistent, unauthenticated backdoor access, enabling covert operational control over the domain without the knowledge or consent of the asset owners. ^[64]

JUL 28, 2026 — PETROPAVL — The Civil Chamber of the Regional Court heard an appeal concerning a civil action brought by a journalist and civil activist, Mr Arman Akylbekov, against the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, seeking damages for non-pecuniary loss arising from unlawful criminal proceedings. The appellate court varied the judgment of the court of first instance, awarding the claimant KZT 200,000 in respect of non-pecuniary damage, together with KZT 2,162 in associated court fees. The balance of the action, encompassing the principal claim for KZT 3,000,000 KZT, was dismissed. ^[65] ^[66]

JUL 29, 2026 — KOSTANAY Region — Mr Eduard Gadulshin, having initiated a public petition opposing the municipal administration’s proposal, led by City Akim Mr Victor Ionenko, to establish a «Park of Labour Glory» featuring decommissioned industrial machinery, was subjected to arbitrary apprehension and police detention purportedly on account of online commentary concerning the Soviet era. Mr Gadulshin was detained within Room 201 of the Rudny Police Department between approximately 17:00 and 18:00 hours. According to testimonies, law enforcement authorities failed to compile formal apprehension or escort records, omitted to inform him of his statutory procedural status, and withheld all requisite administrative documentation. ^[67]

JUL 29, 2026 — KOSTANAY Region — The Consuls of the Russian Antiwar Committee, the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR/IGFM), and the Ark human rights project have formally urged the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Shomart Tokayev, to prevent the impending extraditions of Russian anti-war activist Ms Julia Yemelianova and human rights activist Mr Mansur Movlaev. The representations call for their immediate release from detention and the guarantee of safe passage to third jurisdictions willing to grant international protection. They would face a well-founded risk of politically motivated prosecution, arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearance if returned. In parallel, high-level diplomatic appeals have been directed to the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, the European Commission, and the European Council, urging engagement at the highest political level to protect both individuals. ^[68]

JUL 29, 2026 — ALMATY Region — The parents of Mr Duman Mukhamedkarim, Mr Almas Tlepov and Ms Khalimash Rymbekqyzy, are experiencing the systematic intimidation and extreme psychological pressure exerted by law enforcement authorities in the Almaty Region against them. According to the accounts, Mr Tlepov’s vehicle was intercepted by regional police officers, while he was en route to the airport to board a scheduled flight to Astana. To secure alternative transport, Mr Tlepov engaged a taxi, which was subsequently pursued and similarly intercepted by police. Consequently, Mr Tlepov was explicitly threatened with fifteen days of detention should he persist with his travel to Astana. Having travelled continuously from Kyzylorda from 09:00 onwards and experiencing acute emotional distress owing to prolonged separation from his son, currently serving a seven-year custodial sentence pursuant to Articles 258 and 405 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr Tlepov reportedly reacted verbally, subsequently facing retaliatory accusations of insulting officers. ^[69]

JUL 29, 2026 — ORAL — Following a two-day deliberation, Judge Varvara Dmitrienko dismissed the appeal brought by civil activist Ms Marua Yeskendirova and her legal representative against the judgment of the court of first instance. The lower court had previously imposed a sentence of 25 days’ administrative detention pursuant to Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Ms Yeskendirova was penalised following her decision to stage a hunger strike in the city’s central square to “demand the protection of fundamental right to freedom of peaceful assembly”. ^[70]

JUL 29, 2026 — ALMATY — Judgment was handed down in judicial review proceedings brought by Mr Sergei Solyanik against the Ministry of Ecology and Water Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, challenging the lawfulness of the Ministry’s 3 March 2026 refusal to disclose environmental, geo-environmental, and hydro-environmental studies concerning the Kokzhede sand massif. The court granted the claim in part, directing the respondent authority to release the requested information. In its legal reasoning, the court held that, having regard to the nature of the relief sought, the impugned refusal constituted an adverse administrative decision affecting the claimant. ^[71]

JUL 29, 2026 — ALMATY Region — In her petition addressed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Ms Aizhan Tlepova, sister of Mr Duman Mukhamedkarim, a journalist currently serving a seven-year custodial sentence at Penal Institution No. 60 pursuant to Articles 258 and 405 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stated: «My brother Duman has repeatedly requested a transfer to a facility within the Almaty Region. Subsequent representations made to the Prosecutor’s Office and the Department of the Penal Enforcement System of the Republic of Kazakhstan have yielded no substantive remedy. In light of a marked deterioration in Duman’s health, his transfer to a facility proximate to his relatives is imperatively required to enable family visits. I formally request his relocation from the correctional facility in the Kyzylorda Region to the Almaty Region, a measure entirely consistent with statutory provisions.» ^[72]

JUL 29, 2026 — ALMATY — Journalist Ms. Dinara Yegubayeva drew attention to the arbitrary deactivation of the Facebook account of prominent political analyst Mr. Dimash Alzhanov by Meta. This restrictive measure was executed in the complete absence of substantive justification. ^[73]

JUL 30, 2026 — NEW YORK, NY — Kazakhstan’s Constitutional reform was accompanied by escalating crackdown on critics, independent media and online expression, and continued persecution of activists and opposition voices, according to a new CIVICUS Monitor review. The authors assessed that, from January to June 2026, civic space in Kazakhstan continued to deteriorate. Among the cases highlighted was the criminal prosecution of lawyer Orazaly Erzhanov, who was sentenced under Article 150 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan to four years of restricted freedom for advocating a “smart boycott” of the constitutional referendum. CIVICUS Monitor continues to classify Kazakhstan as a country with a repressive civic space. ^[74]

JUL 30, 2026 — ALMATY Region — Legal counsel Mr Galym Nurpeisov undertook a monitoring visit to Detention Facility No. 14 in the Zarechny settlement to assess human rights compliance and conditions regarding convicted prisoners Messrs Akylzhan Kiysymbayev and Dauren Makin. Mr Kiysymbayev reported that his judicial appeal challenging the refusal of his parole application, lodged in the spring of 2026, remains unadjudicated by the Almaty Regional Court. Furthermore, he presented with a persistent lower-leg swelling that has failed to subside. Mr Makin was observed to be in stable physical and psychological health, and raised no grievances concerning his conditions of detention. Institutional records and observations confirmed that he has incurred no disciplinary sanctions, infractions, or formal reprimands during his incarceration. ^[75]

JUL 30, 2026 — ALMATY — During proceedings before Bostandyk District Court No. 2, Ms Gulnara Bazhkenova formally applied to terminate the services of her state-assigned defence counsel, Ms Olga Kim. Ms Kim observed that, under the relevant statutory framework, Ms Bazhkenova was under no obligation to furnish reasons for the application. The court granted the request and directed that replacement counsel be appointed through the Almaty City Bar Association. Ms Bazhkenova remains subject to house arrest pursuant to Articles 214, 189, and 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. ^[76]

JUL 30, 2026 — ASTANA — Ms Nazymgul Kumyspayeva, founder of the independent media outlet Ötkir Kürek, reported the targeted removal of the organisation’s official Instagram account following repeated attempts to compromise the infrastructure through unauthorised access. Upon the failure of these cybersecurity breaches, perpetrators pivoted to exploiting platform moderation mechanisms through coordinated, vexatious copyright complaints. This bad-faith reporting led directly to the summary removal of approximately ten distinct publications, culminating in Meta completely blocking the institutional account. Ms Kumyspayeva confirmed that her personal Facebook profile was also subjected to an arbitrary block. ^[77]

JUL 31, 2026 — ALMATY — The Ädil Söz Freedom of Speech Protection Foundation drew serious attention to the systematic digital repression of independent journalists in Kazakhstan, highlighting an unprecedented escalation in arbitrary social-media account suspensions. Evidence presented to this effect indicates that the Legal Media Centre NGO, faced severe cyberattacks alongside the restriction of its digital platforms. Furthermore, in February 2026, the Ädil Söz official YouTube channel was summarily removed following a malicious digital assault, while the independent news agency KazTAG experienced significant website disruptions as a result of targeted cyberattacks between 19 and 21 July. ^[78]

JUL 31, 2026 — ASTANA — Mr Lukpan Akhmedyarov, a journalist and founder of the digital platform Just Journalism, was subjected to an unannounced visit by a local police officer and required to attend a police station. This intervention followed a formal complaint lodged by an individual, Mr Kotov, based in Oskemen, alleging the dissemination of knowingly false information. The grievance concerned a broadcast referencing a database compiled by the «I Want to Live» initiative, which identified individuals deployed in connection with the armed conflict in Ukraine. Following preliminary questioning, Mr Akhmedyarov was released without charge. ^[79]

JUL 31, 2026 — ALMATY — In proceedings before the Almaly District Court, Mr Asset Matayev was convicted of the negligent performance of managerial duties and hooliganism, pursuant to Articles 254 and 293(2) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He was sentenced to three years and six months’ restriction of liberty, alongside a three-year prohibition on engaging in journalistic activities. In a related matter, Mr Amir Kasenov was convicted of disseminating false information under Article 274(3) of the Criminal Code and initially sentenced to two years and six months’ restriction of liberty. Following the consideration of mitigating circumstances and the application of a national amnesty, his sentence was reduced to one year and three months, accompanied by a five-year prohibition on practising journalism. Additionally, material damages amounting to KZT 165.4 million were awarded to Freedom Finance. ^[80]

JUL 31, 2026 — ALMATY — Legal practitioner Mr Radmir Utepov submitted evidence of the arbitrary removal of his TikTok account, executed under the pretext of alleged community guidelines violations. The platform confirmed that the account’s operational status would not be reinstated. Mr Utepov has formally attributed this measure directly to his professional advocacy and public commentary, characterising the action as “a routine cyberattack by those who do not want, and are afraid, that my publications may and will convey truth and facts, which are not always wanted or welcome by everyone”. ^[81]

JUL 31, 2026 — ASTANA — Mr Valeriy Surganov, an investigative journalist and former mainstream media practitioner who currently serves as the principal of the online publication Vedomosti of Kazakhstan and founder of the Insiderman project, has been placed on an international wanted register following his designation as a formal suspect under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which penalises the «dissemination of knowingly false information.» Procedurally, the judicial authorities have initiated the underlying warrant, with operational enforcement measures being executed by the police department of the Yesil District. ^[82]

JUL 31, 2026 — ASTANA — Mr Azamat Omarov, the proprietor of the YouTube channel Akhual Today, a platform recognised for its political satire, has been remanded in custody for a period of two months. Mr Omarov faces charges under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a provision which criminalises the purported «incitement of social, national, tribal, racial, class or religious discord”. In his journalistic capacity, Mr Omarov routinely provides satirical commentary on contentious public policy matters that have elicited significant domestic debate. His most recent broadcast featured a characteristic critique regarding the constitutional resetting of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s term limits. Domestic media organisations and civil society stakeholders highlight with concern an escalating pressure on independent journalism. The continued detention of Mr Omarov appears indicative of a systemic suppression of dissenting voices and a broader, progressive contraction of the independent civic information space within the jurisdiction. ^[83]

JUL 31, 2026 — PETROPAVL — Mr A. Akhmetov was convicted of the offence of inciting religious discord, contrary to Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and received a six-year custodial sentence. The prosecution case rested on Mr Akhmetov’s repeated dissemination of material via social media which, the investigating authorities averred, amounted to the incitement of religious hatred. The impugned publications comprised assertions that Islam “does not belong to Kazakhs”, alongside derogatory remarks directed at the Prophet Muhammad. ^[84]

JUL 31, 2026 — ASTANA — Evidence submitted by the public foundation Erkindik Qanaty indicates that the Central Election Commission has declined to issue definitive clarification regarding the statutory applicability of recent restrictions on overseas funding to domestic non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in receipt of foreign grants. The organisation submits that a material legal ambiguity remains extant, namely, whether an NGO receiving overseas funding exclusively for non-electoral purposes is thereby precluded from undertaking election observation. ^[85]

JUL 31, 2026 — ASTANA — In advance of the forthcoming elections to the Kurultai, the Republic of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Culture and Information promulgated supplementary warnings which operate, in effect, as coercive threats directed at media organisations and users of online platforms. The Ministry stipulated: “Media outlets and users of online platforms must refrain from publishing campaign materials and other information knowingly defaming the honour and dignity and business reputation of a political party.” The responsible Minister, Ms Aida Balayeva, subsequently cautioned that non-compliance with these strictures would attract administrative liability. ^[86]

JUL 31, 2026 — ALMATY — Evidence indicates that, over a 48-hour period, a sustained, coordinated hostile information operation was directed against the digital broadcaster ARA MEDIA, which was reportedly subjected to sustained interference. As attested by the journalist Mr Koishybek Mubarak, this interference commenced with the state-owned broadcaster, Qazaqstan, lodging a formal complaint with the YouTube with the apparent objective of effecting the channel’s closure. This administrative action was subsequently compounded by a rapid proliferation of uniform social media activity. Reports suggest a pattern of coordinated inauthentic behaviour, characterised by the extensive dissemination of verbatim or materially similar assertions, which replicated identical allegations and targeted hostility across multiple digital platforms. ^[87]

JUL 31, 2026 — KYZYLORDA — Civic activist Mr Yerzhan Yelshibayev was released upon completing his eight-year custodial sentence imposed under Articles 293 and 106(2) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. ^[88]

^[1] https://tirek.info/zakirova-ya-podala-dosudebnuyu-pretenziyu-k-partii-amanat/?preview=true

^[2] https://tirek.info/byl-zaderzhan-znamenityj-aktivist-goroda-ostanaj-ilyas-ajtzhan/?preview=true

^[3] https://tirek.info/grazhdanin-kazahstana-roman-belov-soderzhitsya-v-sizo-v-orenburge/?preview=true

^[4] https://lmc.kz/sud-uzakonil-sekretnost-gospodderzhki-chastnyh-smi-v-kazahstane/

^[5] https://vlast.kz/novosti/69971-v-sude-po-delu-eks-glavnogo-redaktora-izdania-orda-gulnar-bazkenovoj-prohodat-11-poterpevsih.html

^[6] https://bes.media/news/partiya-amanat-snyalas-s-viborov-deputatov-kurultaya-tsik/

^[7] https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-lMWm51zZWg

^[8] https://bureau.kz/novosti/odno-k-odnomu/

^[9] https://bureau.kz/monitoring_2/mejdunarodnye_otchety_2/vsemirnyj-doklad-2026-kazahstan/

^[10] https://kaztag.kz/ru/news/dver-zhurnalistov-byla-zablokirovana-v-khode-gromkogo-suda-v-almaty

^[11] https://kaztag.kz/ru/news/neskolko-advokatov-po-delu-kaztag-zayavili-o-vzlome-whatsapp-

^[12] https://tirek.info/srok-soderzhaniya-olzhas-dujsen-pod-arestom-istek-sejchas-ego-derzhat-pod-arestom-nezakonno/