MONITORING OF POLITICAL PERSECUTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN FROM May 1 to May 31, 2023

May 1, Almaty, N. Khozhakaraev, Article 488, Part 6 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, arrest for 15 days for taking part in a peaceful protest on May 1 near the Central Park of Culture and Leisure[1].

May 1, Almaty, there were about 20 people gathered near the Central Park. Some of them held a banner reading: “Qazaq jerıne Qytaiğa jol joq” (“No way for China on Kazakh land”). Others demanded a fair investigation into the January events. Some of the protesters were detained by the police. The police did not explain the reason for detention[2].

May 1, the human rights group “ActivistsNotExtremists” alleges political persecution on the day of the announced peaceful protests, having reported about external surveillance of civic activists by law enforcement authorities in various cities of Kazakhstan on May 1. It is reported that some activists were detained and summoned to the police[3].

May 1, Astana, at the place of the alleged rally, the correspondent of Vlast.kz Beyimbet Moldagali was detained. The journalist presented his service certificate to the police, but was taken to the Saryarka district police department. He was not allowed to report the incident to the editorial office and the police tried to take away his phone. At the police station, the journalist was photographed and fingerprinted. The journalist was released half an hour later without giving a reason for his detention, having previously been fingerprinted and photographed. The police officers did not offer any apologies[4].

May 1, Astana, on the day of alleged rallies, the police detained Zhylanbaev M. They stopped him on the road, while he was driving. He was told by the police that a certain citizen “complained about Zhylanbaev that at 7:45 in the morning he had violated the traffic rules”[5].

On May 1, Astana city, Zhanbaeva V. was unlawfully detained in the morning on her way to work. Three officers took part in the detention. None of them introduced himself and did not show any official ID. The activist was kept in the police station at 12 Chekhoeva Street until the evening.[6].

May 1, Pavlodar region, the city of Yerementau, on the day of alleged rally police officers unlawfully detained Akisheva A. A few hours later and after interrogation, she was released[7].

May 1, Kokshetau, the investigator summoned the activist Baltashev Bauyrzhan to the police department on May 1 at 2 p.m. in order to take part in investigative actions in an unknown criminal case. However, the status in which Baltasheva B is summoned was not specified in the summons[8].

May 1, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Zarkumkanov E. was unlawfully detained by police officers on the day of the alleged nationwide rally[9].

May 1, Almaty region, Kapshagay city, Mukhamedkarim D., Article 488, Part 12 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, 25 days’ arrest on the charge of repeated violation of the order of organization and holding peaceful assemblies within a year. The video, in which the prosecutor and the court found a “call for rallies”, became the pretext for the prosecution[10].

May 1, Almaty city, Abishev Aset; police officers in plain clothes detained the activist when he came out of the house[11].

May 2, Astana, Zhylanbaev M., Article 596, Part 3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for 6 months[12].

May 2, Almaty, Mukhametkarim Duman, Article 488, Part 12 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, 25 days of arrest for calling a rally on the Internet[13].

May 1, Almaty, Abdurakhmonov Alisher, Article 488, Part 6 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK — 15 days of arrest for participation in an unauthorized rally on May 1, 2023, which was held at the Central Park of Culture and Leisure in Almaty[14].

May 2, Uralsk, L. Akhmedyarov: “These are all signs of ‘tightening the screws’: 90 percent of the criminal cases that were opened against journalists, independent politicians, civic activists in previous years were investigated by the police, while the NSC tried to keep a low profile and not to “show themselves off”. Now we are likely to get a situation where most of the cases will be investigated by the NSC as an investigative authority: it will make arrests, searches”[15].

May 2, Almaty, court № 2 of Bostandyk district, Kerimov S, Aubakirov K, Kasymzhanov N, Valiev A, Tastanbekov Sh. were found guilty under Article 272, Part 2, Article 269, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK for participating in mass riots and attacking the presidential residence and city administration. Criminal proceedings were dismissed in connection with the death of the defendants during the events of January 2022[16].

May 2, the UN Working Group stated that the deprivation of liberty of Mamay Zh. was arbitrary, falling under category II, as it was the result of his exercise of the rights and freedoms under Articles 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights[17].

May 3, Taraz, PDF No. 13; Adil Ahit, Article 272, Part 1, Article 188, Part 1/3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He is held in the pre-trial detention facility on suspicion of being involved in the January events. He intended to commit suicide and stuck a nail in his belly. Ahit’s mother forwarded a letter where her son explains his attempt to commit suicide by the unfairness of the investigation and slander[18].

May 3, Astana, Zhylanbaev M., Article 488, Part 11 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, arrest for 20 days for “holding a meeting” on March 17 outside the building of the European Union Embassy in the capital, calling for “Resignation of the acting authorities, and cancellation of illegitimate elections”[19].

May 3, Shymkent, relatives of the victims of Bloody January visited the city Akimat, calling for those who shot their family members to be found, and the perpetrators to be identified and punished. They also urged that the victims be given special status and that compensation be paid to their families[20].

May 3, Kazakhstan ranked 134th out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index. In 2022, the country was at 122. The study rated the situation in our country as “difficult”, according to the international organization Reporters Without Borders[21].

May 3, Astana, Bakkozhaev Anas, head of the “Auyl” faction in the Majilis, accused bloggers of threatening Kazakhstan’s security [22].

May 3, Kyzylorda, Serikbaeva G. reports about the opening of a criminal case against her under Article 274, Part 2, paragraph 3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan for spreading deliberately false information. At present, the case has undergone a philological examination. A decision is expected[23].

May 3, in terms of the political context of Kazakhstan, Reporters Without Borders drew attention to the government controlling information through arrests, assaults, telecommunications blackouts, internet shutdowns, as in January 2022. Reporters Without Borders highlighted the following independent media outlets: KazTAG news agency, Vlast and Uralskaya Nedelya[24].

May 3, “Access to information is limited, and journalists’ questions in governmental briefings are censored. The government pays private media to disseminate regime propaganda. The government controls the appointment of top editors in state-owned and state-controlled media. The Ministry of Information itself serves as a media regulatory agency”, according to Reporters Without Borders[25].

May 4, overview of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from April 27 to May 4, 2023[26].

May 4, Almaty, Ilyashev A., Article 669 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK — 5 days of arrest for failure to execute a court judgment banning him from public activity; the reason for the arrest was the activist’s participation in the meeting of the “People’s Parliament”[27].

May 5, the UN committee once again demanded that the Kazakh authorities make public comprehensive information about the victims of the bloody January events of 2022: their names, circumstances of their deaths and other data — as well as make public the statistics on torture and its investigations[28].

May 6, Almaty, police detained Yermolcheva V. and Sharipov D. from the «Oyan Kazakhstan» movement. The court sentenced Yermolcheva to 15 days of arrest under Article 488, Part 6 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan for a solitary picket against unfair elections in Almaty on Arbat in March 2023. The court sentenced Sharipbayev D. to 15 days of arrest under Article 488, Part 6 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for participating in a rally in Almaty on March 20, 2023 against unfair elections[29].

On May 9, Switzerland in Geneva, during the report of the republic to the UN Committee against Torture it was stated that “Torture for Kazakhstan is an acute systematic problem”. For the fourth time Kazakhstan reported on what has been done, what has not been done in the sphere of combating torture[30].

May 10, Uralsk, Utebaev B., held a solitary picket at the monument to Abay. He called for social reforms and “to bring the Amanat party to cour”. An employee of the Akimat called the picket “unlawful” and strongly asked to stop the action, saying that for holding it Utebaev “faces responsibility, up to and including criminal responsibility”. After that the prosecutor came up and also warned the pensioner about “responsibility” and demanded to stop the picket. Utebaev was not detained[31].

May 10, Turkestan region, Ordabasy district court, Mukhamedov N, Article 669 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, 5 days of arrest for “failure to execute a court judgment”. On April 29 the activist opposed the visa-free regime between Kazakhstan and China and posted a video message on the TikTok network. This video message was considered by the court as a failure to execute the court decision under Art. 405[32].

May 10, Almaty, Duysebayeva A, Article 489 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, was fined 172,500 tenge for “violation of legislation on public associations” on account of the April 1 meeting of the “People’s Parliament” in Almaty[33].

May 10, Astana, supporters of convicted Mamay Zh. urged the Kazakh authorities to enforce the decision of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention[34].

May 10, Mangistau region, Zhanaozen, about two dozen people were detained by the police outside the akimat building, where local young people have been gathering for six weeks, demanding permanent job. According to a police representative, the detainees were taken to the police station, where they had a “preventive conversation” with them, after which they have been sent home[35].

May 10, Almaty, Imanbay I., Article 489, Part 10 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, a fine of 172500 tg in the creation of the “People’s Parliament” on April 1[36].

May 11, Atyrau, unknown persons burned the car of Kazinform correspondent Victor Sutyagin. Judging by the records of video surveillance cameras, an unknown person set fire to the car at about half past three in the morning. The journalist found out about the incident around 4 a.m., when his car was already completely burnt out[37].

May 11, Almaty, Yermolcheva V., 15 days of arrest under Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, went on hunger strike when the appeal against her arrest was dismissed[38].

May 11, overview of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from May 4 to May 11, 2023[39].

May 11, Astana, Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee (“NSC”) was granted the right to fix the amount of remuneration for information on terrorists[40].

On May 12, Almaty, at a press conference at the Bureau for Human Rights, activists of the “Oyan Kazakhstan” movement made a statement: “Instead of implementing the promised political reforms, the authorities continue to persecute opposition and civic activists”. Also they demanded the release of activists Sharipov D. and Yermolcheva V., who were arrested for 15 days[41].

May 12, Almaty, Shakhanova Zh. from “Oyan Kazakhstan” movement described at the press-conference how after her detention she has been taken to several offices in the police station, then she was brought to an administrative-detention cell and asked: “Do you want to spend 15 days in this cell?”. She called it moral pressure[42].

May 12, Almaty, Zhapisheva A. from the “Oyan Kazakhstan” movement has added at a press conference that since 2019, when the movement was established, its “activists have faced different types of harassment. These are detentions, arrests, surveillance, kidnapping, bribery attempts, and pressure”[43].

On May 12, Astana, activists Syzdykova A. and Sembay A. were illegally detained by police officers. Police officers did not give explanations and did not provide any documents. The whereabouts of Sembai A. are unknown[44].

May 12, Aktobe, the akimat of the city did not give permission to Kuatova Almira to hold a rally on May 17 against visa-free travels of Chinese citizens to Kazakhstan. Kuatova A. considers it as “a violation of the right to peaceful assemblies which is guaranteed by the Constitution”. Reason for refusal: Notification of Kuatova A. did not include consent to the collection and processing of personal data[45].

May 13, Astana, Sembay A., the court sentenced him to arrest for 2 months. He is accused of “participation in the activities of a banned organization” under Article 405, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan[46].

May 13, Almaty, “We have visited prosecutor’s office in Almaty 3 times in order to restore rights and freedoms of citizens who suffered in #Qantar2022. I have never gone to the prosecutor’s office during 25 years, but this time I had to go, because it is not every day when 238 people are killed. Courts return lawsuits and deny restoration of victims’ rights and freedoms, the laws were written in such a way that the option ‘to shoot to kill without warning’ has not been provided, and it is not clear how to offer apologies and rehabilitate the killed and maimed civilians”, Human Rights Defender Toregozhina B. says[47].

May 14, Atyrau, police detained a suspect in the arson of journalist Sutyagin B’s car, according to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan[48].

May 15, Astana, Takeyeva K., Article 434, Part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 15 days of arrest for violation of public order, tranquility of individuals and disrespect for the public in the public reception office of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Takeyeva K. went on hunger strike[49].

May 15, Astana, Abdulov Bakhseit, Article 667, Part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offences, 15 days of arrest — in front of the public reception office of the President of Kazakhstan, in a group of people, he disobeyed the lawful demand of police officers[50].

May 15, the U.S. State Department presented its annual 2022 Report on International Religious Freedom. Among the most significant challenges to religious freedom in Kazakhstan, the U.S. State Department cites restrictions on the rights of religious minorities and the imprisonment of people because of their religious views[51].

May 15, Almaty, the circumstances of the death of Izmukhamedov N, a prosecutor’s office employee, during Bloody January are shrouded in darkness. The case of his death is classified. For more than a year the relatives of the deceased, as well as the relatives of other victims of the bloody events, have not been able to get an answer as to who shot and who should be held responsible. A. Muratov’s mother says that the fact that the agency where her son was employed refused to recognize him as a member of their staff aggravates the pain of her loss[52].

May 15, Zhanaozen, more than a hundred unemployed oil workers once again addressed the authorities of Kazakhstan. The oil workers say that after more than a month and a half, their demands for permanent and decently paid work have still not been met. They demand, among other things, permanent employment, worker safety and equal pay — in accordance with the Integrated Labor Payment System (“ILPS”)[53].

May 16, Taraz, Sagyntay A., Article 272, Part 1/2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, imprisonment for 5 years. The inter-district criminal court found him to be an organizer and active participant in the riots in Taraz in January 2022[54].

17 May, Almaty, Maksutkhanuly Bekzat, head of the unregistered organization “Nagyz Atazhurt”, Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 15 days arrest. Members of the organization were planning to conduct a rally on May 17, on the day of President Tokayev’s visit to China, against the plans of the authorities to ease entry rules for all Chinese citizens to Kazakhstan[55].

17 May, Pavlodar region, Asen Nursanuly, another activist of “Nagyz Atazhurt”, reports that he was taken to the police station, where he gave an explanatory statement and then he was released home. Several people reported that the police officers were on duty near their homes[56].

17 May, Almaty, «The prosecutor’s office has apologized to the former defendants in the cases of the January events. There are still unresolved questions about the dead and wounded persons with the status of “witnesses”. We believe that the prosecutors will clarify how to restore the rights of the victims as well,» says human rights activist Toregozhina B.[57].

May 17, Aktobe, Tubetova A., Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK. The court sentenced him to a fine of 241,500 tenge for repeatedly “violating the order of holding and organizing peaceful assemblies” within a year. Kuvatova A. and Maratula B., Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, were sentenced to a fine of 172,500 tenge. The court materials show that they called for rallies on their pages in social networks and in a group in WhatsApp messenger[58].

May 17, Aktobe, Sarsengaliyev A, Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, arrest for 4 days. According to the court materials, Sarsengaliyev A. on April 21 posted information on the Web with an appeal to a rally on May 1. The court found him guilty of violating the order of organizing and holding peaceful assemblies[59].

May 17, Almaty, filmmakers Toleutai E, Shargyn A, Myrzashev S were sentenced to fines of 70 to 170 thousand tenge under Article 488, Part 6 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for participating in a protest performance on May 12 outside the hotel “Almaty” against the results of the competition by the State Film Support Center[60].

May 18, Almaty, Kuanyshalin Zh., 74 years old opposition politician and dissident, a tireless fighter against the authoritarian regime in Kazakhstan, died of heart failure after being hospitalized the day before because of a sharp deterioration in his health[61].

May 18, Astana, Vice-Minister of Justice Mukanova Alma, responding to the question of why the parties of the movement “Alga, Kazakhstan!” were denied registration, said that the Ministry “does not consider the political position» when registering parties[62].

May 18, Astana, “We have requirements for political parties. They must conform to the law ‘On Political Parties’. One of the requirements is that the organization should not be funded by a foreign state and should not be associated with the army. But in terms of political views – no”, says Vice-Minister of Justice Mukanova Alma[63].

May 18, Semey city, Sultanbekov K., Article 272, Part 2/3 of the Criminal Code of the RK, recognizance not to leave. Sultanbekov K. is accused of committing illegal actions during mass protests in January 2022. A witness for the prosecution stated in court that two his fingers were broken to force him to testify against Sultanbekov K.[64].

May 18, overview of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from May 11 to May 18, 2023[65].

May 18, Almaty, in the court on the airport seizure case, the interrogation of witnesses has continued. Witness Satybaldiyev Aset acknowledges that the investigators have shown him the video from the airport and have told him whom he should point to. Lawyer Aidarkhanov A: “Has any psychological pressure been put on you during the investigation? Witness Satybaldiev A: “Yes, there has been pressure. But now I am expressing my thoughts voluntarily” — says Satylbaldiev A. in the court[66].

18 May, Almaty region, Iliysk district, Otegen Batyr settlement, Malikov Daulet, Article 488, Part 7 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK — 10 days of arrest for having called for a rally in a WhatsApp group against visa-free entry for the citizens of the People’s Republic of China[67].

May 19, Astana, the Almaty District Civil Court dismissed a lawsuit for protection of honor and dignity against the Interior Ministry of Kazakhstan from V. Ruzakhunov, a Kyrgyz jazzman who suffered at the hands of law enforcement officers during the January events[68].

May 19, Almaty, Bostandyk District Court No. 2 found guilty 24 people in the case of the January events. They have been charged with participation in the riots, theft, violence against a representative of authority, illegal entry into the facility and theft of weapons. The judge sentenced the 24 defendants to suspended sentences ranging from 9 months to 1 year and 9 months. Four people were found guilty, but were exempted from punishment under the Amnesty Law. The court also found guilty the defendant Kanatbek D., but stopped the prosecution because of his death[69].

May 20, Uralsk, Bashanov Zh.: Kazakh authorities sent him to the pre-trial detention facility within the investigation of the criminal case under Article 405, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK. The authorities prosecute the activist for his participation in the DCK rallies and in the social networking Telegram «activist DCK», as well as for taking part in the January events of 2022[70].

20 May, Almaty, “For the attention of the Ministry of Health and the Commissioner for Human Rights. The condition of Mamay Zh., who is currently in the hospital, has deteriorated sharply today; he is being transferred to the intensive care unit. His body is covered with a red rash and nothing helps,” reports Imanbay I[71].

May 21, Almaty, Dzhakishev M., the former head of the National Company Kazatomprom, informs that the 14-year sentence imposed on him by the Kazakhstani court expired on May 21. Dzhakishev M. after having served 11 years behind bars, about three years ago was released on parole[72].

May 21, Uralsk, Utepov A., the head of the Association “People against Corruption”, Article 190, Part 3, Article 367, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the RK, who is currently kept in the pre-trial detention center, declared a dry hunger strike. The public figure cited the “criminal case” against him as the reason for the refusal of food and water[73].

May 22, Yermolcheva V. and Sharipov D., activists of “Oyan Kazakhstan!”movement, were released after 15 days of arrest under Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, which the court imposed on them for participation in peaceful protests[74].

May 22, Taraz, Kanatov Nurlan, Article 419 of the Criminal Code of the RK “Knowingly false denunciation”. Kanatov has been raising issues of corruption in the regional government for a long time and he is currently in the detention facility on accusations of false denunciation[75].

May 22, Bishkek, the airline “Uzbekistan Airways” removed from the flight Bishkek-Tashkent human rights defender Ageleuov G. was on his way to the trial on the Nukus events. Ageleuov was scheduled to depart to Tashkent for participation as an observer in the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan to examine the petitions of appeal of the participants of the unrest in Karakalpakstan on July 1-2, 2022[76].

May 23, Astana, Danabayev Timur, Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan: the trial has started over a citizen who was attempting to lodge a complaint against President Tokayev K. for “spreading false information” in connection with his statement about “20 000 terrorists” during the January events of 2022[77].

May 23, Taraz, the Court of Appeal examines the case of the January events, in which nine people were convicted, five of whom were judged posthumously. The prosecutor in the case of Baghdatuly S. asks the court to re-examine the sentence of Tashekeev A. and to sentence him to 4 years of imprisonment. On February 8, Taraz Court No. 2 sentenced Tashekeev A. to 2 years’ imprisonment, but released him from custody under an amnesty[78].

May 23, Uralsk, Utepov A., Article 190, Part 3, Article 367, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years in a minimum security penal colony. The court found him guilty of “fraud” and “bribery incitement”. The judge, announcing the decision, said that the guilt of Utepov A. has been proved by the testimony of witnesses and victims, as well as the materials of the case[79].

May 23, Astana, the police came to search the house of Zhylanbayev M, the chairman of unregistered party “Alga, Kazakhstan!»”. There were police officers and unknown people in plain clothes at the gate of the house. They did not allow the Azattyk camera crew to enter the territory of the house. Some kind of investigative actions were conducted in the house[80].

May 24, Astana, members of the organizing committee for the establishment of the party “Alga-Kazakhstan” submitted the list of the initiative group to the Ministry of Justice for the 15th time in order to start registration of the party. The authorities rejected the list of the initiative group, citing Article 8 of the Law on Political Parties, as if it does not meet the requirements of the law. The authorities did not provide a specific answer as to what exactly does not meet the requirements of the law[81].

May 24, Astana, the list of 3083 people was submitted, and according to the law 700 people are required. The organizing committee of the “Alga Kazakhstan” parties has videos of 1,500 people, which proves that the list of the initiative group meets the requirements of the law.Another rejection by the Kazakh authorities points to a political motive and totally refutes the statements of the Kazakh authorities that allegedly they do not interfere with the registration of political parties[82].

May 24, Almaty, Meldekhan Aidos, the father of four-year-old Aykorkem, who was shot to death in the center of Almaty during the January 2022 events, claims that police raided the house in the Kairat micro-district where he and his family reside. He believes that the police visit was an attempt to put pressure on him and his family[83].

May 24, Almaty region, Otegen Batyr settlement, “Even if they accuse me of terrorism, never mind extremism, I will not retract my words. Let the power of thieves and the regime of thieves fall. This country will not be changed by evolution, only revolution will change it. This is what Comrade Tokayev himself is pushing towards. Be ready getting off your couches”, wrote journalist Mukhamedkarim D. in a letter from prison[84].
May 24, “Kazakhstan’s score in the rating of countries in transition fell from last year’s 1.36 points to 1.32 points this year. In all categories, the country’s democracy score is close to the lowest. Thus, Kazakhstan has returned to its 2020-2021 score”, reads the Freedom House report[85].

May 24, “The November 2022 presidential election and the March 2023 elections, which were held under strict control, indicate that Kazakhstan’s democratic institutions have not made much progress”, Freedom House says in its report[86].

May 25, Astana, Zhubakov Renat from Ust-Kamenogorsk, who claimed that he has been tortured in the detention center during the January events, demands the government pay him a moral compensation of 30 million tenge and 1 million 98 thousand tenge for material damage. The case is being heard by the Astana Specialized Court for Civil Cases. On January 9-11, 2022, he has been in an investigative isolator. In his words, during this period “police officers were brutally beating”[87].

May 25, Astana, Zhylanbayev M, the court has satisfied the petition of the investigative authorities to arrest him for two months in connection with the criminal investigation. The athlete is suspected under Articles 405 and 258 of the Criminal Code of the RK in “Involvement in a prohibited organization” and “Financing of a terrorist or extremist activity” [88].

May 25, overview of the situation in Kazakhstan with regard to the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from April 18 to May 25, 2023[89].

May 25, Temirtau, Zvereva S., who previously came out with a picket to the courthouse in Karaganda, calling for the resignation of Judge Ibraeva Z., submitted a special appeal to the court against the actions of this judge. The Board of the Regional Court satisfied the activist’s special appeal and cancelled the determination made by Judge Ibraeva on the grounds of “the violation of the procedural law by the judge”. However, the Board of the Regional Court pointed out that “it does not review here the actions of the judge”, but addresses only the issue of the determination made by her[90].

May 26, Astana, the court partially satisfied the claim of R. Zhubakov, a resident of Ust-Kamenogorsk city, to the Ministry of Finance of Kazakhstan. Zhubakov R., who had alleged torture in a detention center during the January events, demanded that the government pay him 30 million tenge as compensation for moral damages, but the court awarded him five million tenge ($11,200 at the exchange rate)[91].

May 26, Almaty region, Otegen Batyr settlement, Mukhammedkarim D. went at large after having served 25 days of arrest, to which the court sentenced him earlier this month under Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for calling a rally[92].

May 26, Semey, the city court № 2 sentenced Alpiyev Ch. and Aliyev R., who were detained after the January events under Article 256, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK “Propaganda of terrorism” to 9 years and 7 years and 6 months in a strict regime colony respectively on accusations of “propaganda of terrorism”[93].

May 26, Almaty. “Take all necessary measures for restoration of violated rights of Mamay Zh. by legal rehabilitation and, taking into account the position of the Working Group, take measures for Mamay Zh.’s immediate release and provision of compensation and other types of redress” — claimed lawyer Kenzhebaev E.[94].

May 26, Almaty, “To take all necessary measures to provide a complete and independent investigation into the circumstances of the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Mamay Zh. and to take appropriate measures with respect to the persons responsible for violating his rights, with the recognition of Mamay Zh. as a victim” — claimed lawyer Kenzhebaev E. [95].

May 27, Almaty, in its address the movement “Committee of May 31” which annually conducts a meeting at the obelisk in memory of victims of political repressions, suggests holding a funeral procession across the country on May 31 – “March in memory of victims of repressions and Asharshylyk”[96].

May 28, Almaty region, Iliisky district, Otegen Batyr settlement, Mukhamedkarim D. was sentenced to 25 days of arrest under Article 488, Part 12 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan for calling a rally and posting a video on YouTube[97].

May 29, Astana, at a press conference representatives of the unregistered party “Alga, Kazakhstan”» demanded the authorities to release the activist and leader of “Alga, Kazakhstan!” Zhylanbayev. On May 25 he was arrested for two months under Articles 405 and 258 of the Criminal Code of the RK[98].

May 29, Almaty, A. Tleuzhanova, Article 272, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the RK, house arrest. «Today at 2:45 pm the city court satisfied my complaint about the change of the measure of restraint against A. Tleuzhanova and Sh. Myrzakhanova from house arrest to recognizance not to leave,» said lawyer A. Aidarkhanova[99].

May 29, Astana, Prosecutor General Asylov B., said, “In the 4 months of this year, 29 pre-trial investigations were registered against bloggers for spreading false information. At that, only one case was sent to the court, 12 are pending”. Meanwhile, according to his information, there are plans to introduce administrative responsibility for spreading misinformation, unless it contains elements of a criminally punishable act[100].

May 29, Astana, the Specialized Civil Court partially satisfied the claim of Tleuzhan Saylauuly, a resident of Ust-Kamenogorsk, who was found to be a victim in the case of torture during the January events. The court ordered to oblige the defendant, the Ministry of Finance, to compensate the victim for moral damages in the amount of one million tenge. Tleuzhan Saylauuly, claims that he does not agree with the verdict, because in his claim he demanded to pay 20 million tenge as moral compensation [101].

May 29, Astana, “During the arrest of Zhylanbaev M. for 20 days from May 3 to May 23 in administrative case under Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, the police illegally seized the phone from Zhylanbaev M. and illegally inspected its contents”, said lawyer M. Doskaraev at a press conference[102].

May 29, Astana, “The charges against Zhylanbaev Zh. under article 405, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK are based on the politological research of Mr. M. Batyrbaev, a doctoral student at the Political Science Department of the Eurasian University. However, according to the legislation of Kazakhstan, the list of expertise does not include any politological research”, — said the lawyer M. Doskaraev at a press conference[103].

May 30, Almaty, activists plan to gather on May 31 at 11:30 near the Obelisk in memory of victims of political repressions in the public garden at the intersection of Kabanbai Batyr and Nauryzbai Batyr streets. A mourning rally will be conducted at the place of gathering during which a moment of silence will be declared. After that historians and public figures will make a speech. At 13:00 the rally participants are planning to march to Ualikhanov square and later there will be a meeting on Zheltoksan Square[104].

May 30, Almaty, “The organization and participation in rallies, marches, meetings or demonstrations that are carried out in violation of the requirements of the Law (para. 3, Article 3) is illegal and punishable by up to 25 days of arrest under Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK”, — the press service of the Almaty Prosecutor’s Office reports on the eve of the May 31 “March in memory of the victims of repression and Asharshylyk”[105].

May 31, Shymkent, relatives of the people killed during the January 2022 events in Shymkent gathered on the square outside the akimat and recited the Quran in memory of their family members. They stated that they considered those who died “victims of politics” and that they would honor their memory on this day until a special day was established for those who perished in the in the January 2022 events[106].

May 31, Shymkent, Mukhammedov N, Article 669 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, 5 days of arrest for failure to comply with a court sentence under Article 405 of the Criminal Code of the RK “Prohibition of the media and social networks”. On May 17, Mukhammedov N. expressed his opinion near the detention center at the time of his release. The activists posted it on their Facebook page, and the police filmed it on video. A new protocol was drawn up on Mukhammedov N in connection with his words “Wake up, let’s get together, let’s resist!”[107].

May 31, Almaty, Akkozy Anar, a journalist and representative of the “31 Mamyr” Committee, was detained by the police near her house. On May 31 activists of the committee “31 Mamyr” were planning an action in memory of victims of political repressions. The journalist was taken to the police and given a summons to come to the police station. After that they let her go[108].

31 May, Almaty, “The police of Almaty started blocking the members of the 31 Mamyr organizing committee. We claim: This is an illegal violation of our constitutional rights and freedoms, preventing even our intention to lay flowers at the monument to the victims of the Holodomor, to hold a national Minute of Silence!”, — stated Amrekulov N., a member of the organizing committee[109].

May 31, Almaty, Amrekulov Nurlan, a representative of the “31 Mamyr” committee informed that the Mourning march was cancelled because his supporters have been detained and blocked by the police. Addressing the gathering in “Kargaily” square, N. Amrekulov explained that most members of the “31 Mamyr” organizing committee were unable to leave their homes because they were blocked by the police[110].

May 31, Astana, “Victims of political repression in Kazakhstan will receive benefits to a total amount of more than K1.3 billion”, — the press service of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection reports[111].

May 31, Astana, “In 2023, 3,828 citizens will receive a one-time financial assistance from the local budgets in the amount of Т48.6 million ranging from Т3,692 to Т30,000. Since 2003, 18.4 billion tenge have been paid to victims of political repressions in Kazakhstan as a one-time monetary compensation and special state allowances”, — the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection reports[112].

31 May, Almaty, “Abdreshov Yermek, who lost both eyes in #Qantar2022 received an apology from the prosecuting authority. When you see the grief that the use of firearms to kill has brought to citizens, the actions of the Kazakh authorities in those days of January seem some kind of frantic fear on the edge of madness… How could they shoot peaceful citizens?» says human rights defender Toregozhina B.[113].

May 31, Almaty region, Kaskelen city, Klyshev K, Article 405, Part 1/2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan 5 years of restriction of liberty. Police officers brought him to court in Kaskelen for “breach of conditions of probation control”: he left for Almaty city on May 1, 2023 without notifying a probation officer and also he posted in social networks. Later he was released, because the trial was postponed[114].

31 May, Astana “In our country every citizen must obey the law. He has repeatedly broken the law, look at the court judgment, it is clearly written there what he is being judged for», — First Deputy Minister of Interior Kozhaev said when asked about another arrest of the journalist Mukhametkarim D.[115].

[1] https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActivistsNotExtremists/posts/3549065088746082/

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkQwE-NHgCQ&ab_channel=AzattyqTV-%D0%90%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%82%D1%8B%D2%9B-%D0%90%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%82%D1%8B%D0%BA

[3] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/32386870.html

[4] https://vlast.kz/novosti/54980-v-astane-zaderzali-zurnalista-vlasti.html

[5] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/32386832.html

[6] https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActivistsNotExtremists/posts/3547066792279245/

[7] https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActivistsNotExtremists/posts/3547094372276487/

[8] https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActivistsNotExtremists/posts/3546879698964621/

[9] https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActivistsNotExtremists/posts/3546988268953764/

[10] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/32389208.html

[11] https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActivistsNotExtremists/posts/3546912938961297/

[12] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/32386832.html