MONITORING OF POLITICAL PERSECUTION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN from October 1 to 31, 2024

October 1, Stepnogorsk, Institution No.4, Zhylanbaev M., Articles 258, 405 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 7 years’ imprisonment: M. Zhylanbaev informed about the violation of his rights: he does not receive letters and warm clothes. M. Zhylanbaev has been on hunger strike for 22 days, expressing his disagreement with the sentence of 7 years’ imprisonment. The lawyer said that Zhylanbaev was placed in the disciplinary isolation ward instead of being in the medical unit of the institution [1].

October 1, no less than 12 people were arrested in Almaty and the Almaty region on Sunday. Criminal cases were opened under articles on the preparation and organization of mass disorder[2].

October 1, Akmola region, Stepnogorsk, Institution No. 4: Human rights defender Sadvakasova A. and supporters of Zhylanbaev from Aktau, Zhanaozen, Kyzylorda came to meet with the management of the colony. The head of the colony, Tulakov K., met only with Sadvakasova A. because he was afraid of public pressure[3].

October 1, Astana, the court returned a lawsuit against the Government of Kazakhstan on the recognition of the decision on conversion of time as illegal. Citizen A. filed a lawsuit against the government represented by the Ministry of Trade and Integration. The court stated that “the plaintiff’s claims are not subject to consideration in administrative proceedings”[4].

October 1, East Kazakhstan region, Bobrovka village, Idyryshev S. was arrested for 10 days under Article 488, Part 7 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for posting on his personal page on Facebook on September 06, 2024, a call to hold an unauthorized rally on September 13, 2024[5]

October 2, Almaty, a court ordered the arrest for two months of at least 5 activists who were detained before the referendum on the construction of the nuclear power plant. They are suspected of “attempting to organize mass riots”. The following persons were detained for 2 months: N. Zhaulybaev, N. Temirgaliev, N. Kazakbay, F. Sydykov and A. Mubarakov.[6]

October 2, Warsaw (Poland), B. Toregozhina, a human rights defender, spoke at the human rights session about multiple human rights violations in Kazakhstan. «The authorities come up with various reasons to suppress dissent and explain it with the need to protect state interests and national security. She also reported about dozens of political prisoners, arrests and fines of opponents of the NPP construction[7].

October 2, Warsaw, Poland, Toregozhina B. told a meeting on human rights: “Ensuring freedom of movement, the right to seek asylum and access to international protection are interrelated issues in the OSCE region. Unfortunately, the situation of activists in Kazakhstan is so bad that they have to flee the country and seek asylum. Let me emphasize that those fleeing Kazakhstan are not fleeing war, but persecution, torture and ill-treatment”[8].

October 2, Almaty, Toregozhina B. reported on Facebook that she received a response from Ombudsman Lastaev A. on the case of Danebaev T., Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 3 years imprisonment: “Once again we received some clarifications of the law and our request was forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office. Artur Yermekovich! We would like to see the legality of the case restored through your personal intervention. We want you to record T. Danebayev’s complaints about cruel treatment in detention and to immediately bring the head of the colony to justice. The law gives you this right. Use it”[9].

October 2, Almaty, Toregozhina B., said in Facebook: “Response of Ombudsman Lastaev A. to the facts of theft and unsanitary conditions in Almaty region, Zarechny settlement, in Institution No. 14, reported by political prisoners Klyshev K. and Namazbaev D. Do you think this is a comprehensive response to the facts of theft and unsanitary conditions in Institution No.14?”[10].

October 2, Almaty, the police has been put on high alert to ensure public order and safety ahead of the referendum on the NPP, which will be held on October 6, 2024[11].

October 2, Astana, Deputy Prosecutor General Koigeldiev G. could not answer the question about detentions before the referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) in Kazakhstan[12].

October 2, school teachers in the city of Alatau, Almaty Oblast, went on strike because they were dissatisfied with the fact that they were deprived of the so-called rural salary supplement, which amounted to 25 per cent of their salaries[13].

October 2, Mangistau region, village of Beineu, Baidakov E. was detained by police officers shortly before the referendum. He is awaiting trial under administrative Article 73-3, Part 2 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan (“Defamation”)[14].

October 2, Kokshetau, Muhamedzhanov Kuat was detained by police just before the referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan. The police took him to the police station near the sports center named after Kazhymukan. At the police station, a protocol was drawn up. Mukhamedjanov will be put on trial[15].

October 3, Uralsk, the court imposed a fine on the Foundation “Journalists’ Initiative”, represented by its head Yeslyamova T., under Article 120, Part 3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK for conducting a video poll of passers-by on the issue of NPP construction. The court ruled that the founder “violated the conditions for conducting a public opinion poll in connection with the elections” and sentenced Yeslyamova to a fine of 110760 tenge (about $230)[16].

October 3, Astana, the phrase “depressive content” was introduced into the official agenda in Kazakhstan. “In accordance with the instruction of the Prosecutor General, the Prosecutor’s Office of Almaty took measures to block Telegram-channel with depressive content”, — reports the press service of the Prosecutor’s Office in Almaty[17].

October 3, Semey, a police officer arrived at the home of activist Mubarak D. with a summons from the Almaty police department, demanding that she come to the police station on a matter “concerning her”[18].

On October 3, in Almaty, participants of the public initiative “Anti-NPP” urged voters not to stay at home on the day of the referendum, but to come to the polling stations and express their attitude to the nuclear project by voting. The speakers also urged the government to declare a moratorium on the construction of NPPs at least until the end of the war in Ukraine[19].

October 3, Astana, Amrenov K., Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, 20 days imprisonment for participation in a public event in front of the Ministry of Justice on April 24, 2024[20].

October 3, Warsaw (Poland), «The authorities come up with a variety of restrictions to suppress dissent. Earlier, activists were accused of sympathizing with Ablyazov M. Now the authorities have a new trick: to accuse them in drug possession on the basis of testimony of secret witnesses, which have not seen either lawyers or the accused themselves», — said Toregozhina B.[21].

On 3 October, in Warsaw, Poland, in her speech at the OSCE/ODIHR conference, Toregozhina B. raised the issue of the murder of Kazakh journalist and activist A. Sadykov in Kiev. Concern about the death of A. Sadykov was also expressed by a representative of the US delegation attending the conference [22].

October 4, Almaty, Overview by the Adil Soz Foundation on the situation in Kazakhstan with the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from September 26 to October 4[23]

October 4, Almaty — On the eve of the referendum on the National Nuclear Power Plant in Kazakhstan, the number of citizens detained or held under administrative responsibility has increased. Human rights defender Toregozhina B., head of the Ar.Rukh.Khak foundation, has updated the list of detainees, which now contains the names of 27 people. The day before, it contained the names of 17 activists[24].

October 4, Astana, 24 violations of the referendum legislation were revealed during the campaign period. Deputy Prosecutor General Umiraliev Zh. said at the meeting of the CEC of the referendum that all of them were connected with opinion polls. All have been placed under administrative responsibility[25].

October 4, Almaty, lawyer Nurpeisov G. reported “that the Almaty Police Department passed a motion to exclude him from the bar for refusing to sign a protocol on non-disclosure of pre-trial investigation materials in the case of activists accused of organizing mass riots[26].

October 5, Warsaw, Poland, U.S. Ambassador Mr. Kozak, speaking at an OSCE/ODIHR conference, expressed concern about political prisoners Zhylanbaev M. and Muhammedkarim D.[27].

October 5, Uralsk, Majilis deputies Kuspan A. and Bapi E. and some other deputies intend to send a letter to the Chairman of the Supreme Court with a proposal to clarify the wording of the legal provision prohibiting the conduct of opinion polls for the mass media[28].

October 5. Astana, Central Referendum Commission on NPP did not give permission to the International Center for Journalism «MediaNet» for a survey on the construction of the NPP and the referendum[29].

October 6, Almaty, Astana, Talgar, 12 people were detained in connection with the death of a teenager. Later, some of the detainees were released on their own recognizance. They are suspected of involvement in the OCG. The list of people who have been in detention is below[30].

On October 6 in Astana, the “Yerkindik qanaty” foundation, which sent observers to polling stations during the referendum on the NPP, claimed that unidentified people in civilian clothes used physical violence against their observer. The incident took place after 8 p.m. while counting votes at polling station 292 in Astana, when the polling station had already closed[31].

October 6, Astana, Abishev A., article 488 of the Administrative Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was sentenced to a fine of 184600 tenge (380 dollars) for the fact that last fall (!!!) the activist posted on Facebook’e a call for a protest on November 1, 2023 on the occasion of the visit of the President of France E. Macron[32].

October 6, Warsaw (Poland), During the year in Kazakhstan about 50 law enforcement officials were convicted of torture, reported Ombudsman Lastaev A.. A total of 162 officials have been prosecuted and convicted over the past 5 years[33].

October 6, Uralsk, observers from the NGOs Jaria and Abyroi recorded a turnout of 120 percent at the referendum on the construction of the nuclear power plant at polling station No. 415 located at the university[34].

October 6, Almaty, Adil Soz Foundation monitors the rights of journalists covering the referendum. Several cases of obstruction of journalistic activities were recorded until 6 p.m. The majority of cases were resolved after explanations and journalistic activities were allowed[35].

October 6, Almaty, eco-activist Tashimova S. was fined for posting on Facebook a video taken at the 275th referendum polling station. In her post, she expressed her opinion on the construction of a nuclear power plant. This was considered to be agitation and she was sentenced to a fine of about 27 thousand tenge (half of the amount of the fine). Tashimova S., agreed not to contest the record of the administrative offence[36].

October 6, Almaty, the observer of the League of Young Voters Musina A. was taken to the police after being removed from polling station No. 237, where she had observed the voting in the referendum on the construction of the nuclear power plant. Later she was released[37].

October 6, Turkestan region, an independent observer recorded alleged ballot stuffing at polling station No. 456 in Temirlan village, Ordabasin district. The video taken at the polling station was posted on the Internet[38].

October 6, Karaganda, Azattyk correspondent was forbidden to take photos and videos in the polling station Election Commission No. 1. “You have no right. Only with the permission of the person you are photographing”, the chairman of the precinct commission told her. The commission chairman referred to the law on the protection of personal data[39].

October 6, Astana, Bekzadina E., Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, was fined 184,000 tenge ($379). She was found guilty of “violating the law on peaceful assemblies”[40].

October 6, Astana, an observer of PF “Erkindik kanaty” was removed from the polling station Election Commission № 2 in the House of Students № 14 of the Eurasian National University. An act on the removal of the observer was prepared. When the observer asked for a copy of the act, they refused to give it to him. Only when the lawyers arrived, the head of the polling station gave a copy of the act of removal[41].

October 6, Astana, Narymbay E., Article 669 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, 5 days of detention. He was charged with non-compliance with the court order on the prohibition to engage in public activities [42].

October 7, Astana, Astana court accepted a class action lawsuit filed by 9 journalists against the Ministry of Culture and Information against the provisions of the new order “Model Regulations for Accreditation of Journalists”. The plaintiffs consider that this order seriously infringes their rights to freedom of speech and distribution of information[43][44].

October 7, Warsaw (Poland), human rights defender Toregozhina B., speaking at the OSCE/ODIHR conference, reported multiple violations during the October 6 referendum in Kazakhstan[45].

October 7, Aktobe, about a hundred workers of the Aktobe Chromium Compounds Plant (ACPP) gathered on the territory of the enterprise and complained about their October wages. Representatives of Akimat, the labor inspectorate, and the police arrived at the site. The protesters remained in front of the plant until the evening[46].

October 7, Almaty, some hotels refused to provide premises for the organization “Feminita” to hold an event on the theme of ecology and the impact of climate change on women. 4 hotels and 1 co-working space have refused to provide premises since 9 am, said Sekerbaeva Zh.[47].

October 7, Astana, observers of “Yerkindik kanaty” came under pressure. At polling station No. 292, two unknown men attacked an observer of the Fund. 2 observers were removed from polling station No. 354. The removal of an observer from polling station no. 2 was also reported[48].

October 7, Warsaw, Poland, human rights activist R. Zhantasov addressed the plenary session entitled “Fundamental Freedoms” at the Human Dimension Conference and spoke about the situation regarding the right to assemble peacefully. He pointed out that in Kazakhstan citizens are almost always denied the right to peaceful assembly[49].

October 6, Karaganda city, a fine was imposed on local public activist Omarkhanov B. after conducting a survey on the issue of referendum on the construction of nuclear power plant. He reported that he has paid a fine in the amount of 15 MCI[50].

October 7, Karaganda city, Nurmaganov A., article 434, Part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 10 days of imprisonment. The court found Nurmaganov A. guilty of using “foul language” in a public place and “offensive solicitation” against a bus passenger, who, as it became clear in court, was a Karaganda police officer [51].

October 8, Almaty, Human rights defenders in Kazakhstan aim to present their new National Human Rights Action Plan by the end of the year. Experts from the Working Group of the Advisory and Consultative Body “Dialogue Platform on the Human Dimension” discussed the preparation of the National Human Rights Plan for 2025-2030[52].

October 8, Karaganda, Omarova B.: The journalist sued Minister Karabayev M. «The reason for the lawsuit was the fact that the minister signed a document on the construction of a factory in Karaganda for 500 jobs. “Today in the government I said that the minister deceived my compatriots. It has been 4 years since the plant was built, and the license has been issued with violations», said B. Omarov[53].

October 8, Konaev city, Zhamuratov A., Articles 258, 405 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 7 years of imprisonment, with a ban on social and political activity for 5 years. The appeal court of the regional court left the sentence of 06.08.24 in force. In the online service “Judicial cabinet” the case of A. Zhamuratov is “closed for publication”[54].

October 9, Almaty, the police arrived at the closed meeting of activists of the group “Feminita”. The group reported that B. Baltabaeva, the chairwoman of the regional public organization
“Kazakhstan Union of Parents”, together with her associates came to the building where the feminist event was taking place and tried to disrupt the event. But the activists themselves were taken to the police[55].

October 9, Astana, deputies of the Majilis from the party “Amanat” demand to recognize the feminist initiative “Feminita” as an extremist organization and to ask Prosecutor General Asylov B. and Chairman of the National Security Committee Sagimbayev E. to ban its activities on the territory of Kazakhstan. The request was announced by the deputy Zaitov R.[56]

October 9, Almaty, G. Serzhan, co-founder of Feminita, was detained and taken to the police department. Police also detained other members of the organization[57].

October 9, Astana, “8 of the 23 plaintiffs received their state scholarships last week. Another 2 plaintiffs received full scholarships for 4 years. Initially, before the lawsuits under the conciliation procedure, they would not give grants to anyone”, — said the lawyer Azhigulova Kh.[58]

October 9, Almaty, summarizing the results of work of the civil platform “AES kerek emes”, it was reported about unpreparedness of the authorities of Kazakhstan for fair competition and adversarial parties in political processes. They also reported about arrests of activists and falsifications during the elections. The participants of the platform “AES kerek emes” will continue the struggle[59].

October 9, Almaty, NGO «Independent Observers» at a press conference reported on provocations against observers. In Almaty, the police took away 4 observers on the day of the referendum on the complaint of members of the election commission. They were accused of interfering with the voting process[60].

October 9, “The decline in interest in the referendum was contributed to the disappointment of Kazakhstan’s citizens in promises that were not realized after the events of January 2022. Despite the reforms announced by the president, the suppression of citizens’ participation in politics has continued in the country. The last referendum confirmed this tendency with new arrests and criminal cases against activists”, the experts summed up[61].

October 10, Almaty, Overview on the situation in Kazakhstan with the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from October 3 to October 10[62].

October 10, the international human rights organization Front Line Defenders denounced the calls of members of the Kazakh parliament to declare the Kazakh feminist organization Feminita “extremist organization” and to ban its activities in Kazakhstan[63].

October 10, Astana, Judicial Board, having considered the civil case against the company “KTZ — Freight Transportation”, a subsidiary of “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy”, rejected M. Zhambulov, a dismissed employee, in his claim. The court rejected his appeal, and the decision of the court, which was previously found not to favor the plaintiff, was left unchanged[64].

The OSCE Human Rights Conference was held in Warsaw from October 11 to 30, attended by hundreds of participants. The Kazakh delegation was made up of heads of NGOs, often critical of the authorities, and representatives of government and pro-government structures. The topics to be discussed at the conference were extensive — from the issues of political prisoners and freedom of rallies to the protection of LGBT rights and the rights of small nations, BesMedia reporters made a great review[65].

October 12, Astana, Suyubaev A., Article 297, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 10 years of imprisonment, was transferred to the Institution № 65 (formerly Institution EC-166/23) in Kokshetau. The Committee of the Criminal Executive System explains this by the fact that the prison in Astana is overcrowded[66].

October 12, Almaty, gallery “Gaka ArtSpace”, human rights activists continue the theme of Qantar2022. They organized an evening of civil poetry “JARA”, where they presented a book of poems “Zhanarmagan Otanym “ (My Unrenewed Fatherland) about the events of January 2022. The authors read their poems, which are included in the book of poems[67].

October 12, Atyrau, A number of family members of a drowned 14-year-old teenager came to the local prosecutor’s office today and demanded a fair investigation into the case. A video was posted on social media showing police officers using force to detain women outside the regional prosecutor’s office, some of them being carried by officers grabbing their arms and legs[68].

October 12, Astana, Suyubaev A., Article 297 of the Criminal Code of the RK 10 years’ imprisonment, in his first letter he addresses the Embassy of the European Union in Kazakhstan with an appeal to put pressure on the authorities of Kazakhstan to stop the persecution of activists and asks for assistance in his release. In the second letter, he addresses society and human rights defenders to express his gratitude for their support, writes about the death of his mother and states that he will continue his struggle and sends his best wishes to them[69].

October 13, Astana activist Ibrayev Askar was handcuffed and taken from his home to the Almaty police station in Astana. Makhanova Nazgul went with him to find out the circumstances[70].

October 14, Almaty, the court considered the appeal of Ilyashev A. on the court decision of 31.07.2024. The court decided to leave the appeal without satisfaction [71][72].

October 14, Astana, Response of Ombudsman Lastaev A. to political prisoner Zhylanbaev M., who has been on hunger strike for 33 days, Articles 258, 405 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 7 years’ imprisonment[73].

October 14, Akmola region, Stepnogorsk, Zhylanbaev M., Articles 258, 405 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years of imprisonment. Why did they turn the whole camp against him by cutting off Skype? M. Zhylanbaev informed about it in his letter from the place of detention[74].

October 14, Astana, over the last month “Media Koldau” service provided legal and informational support in 1 criminal, 4 civil and 2 administrative courts, as well as in preparing 5 responses to pre-trial claims. “Media Koldau” is a part of the project “Promotion of Human Rights in Media”, which is realized with the financial support of the European Union[75].

On October 15 in Almaty, the Board of the Almaty City Court rendered a verdict in the case of 11 people accused under Articles 272, 269, 380 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the attack on the Akimat and the President’s residence during the events of January 2022. The court increased the punishment for A. Zhandarbekov. He was sentenced to 8 years’ imprisonment. Alimbayev A., Baikisiev N., Bakiyev D., Karaneev K., Makhanbayev K., Mamyrov R., Oryngazyn S., Abidolla Taubay were sentenced to 1 year and 8 months’ imprisonment. The sentences of Kekilbaev S. and Alpysbaev T. remained unchanged at 1 year 9 months[76].

October 15, Akmola region, the court continued the trial on the criminal case under Article 146, Part 3, p.1 of the Criminal Code of the RK “Torture”. In the dock there are 12 employees of the Committee of the Criminal Enforcement System. The total number of victims is 41. At the time of torture they were serving their sentences in the colony. The victim Danebaev T. was absent. Human rights defender Toregozhina B. was present as his representative[77].

October 15, Atyrau Court № 2 began consideration of the criminal case on the claim of journalist «DK» Vertinskaya O. and public Idrisova K. against police officer Uteniyazov A.R. under Article 109, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “Beatings”[78].

October 15, Semey, Dosanov E., the regional court considered the activist’s appeal against the decision of the 1st instance court to impose a fine of 50 MCI and rejected it, leaving the complaint without satisfaction [79].

October 16, U.S. authorities granted asylum to Karakalpak activists Zhaksymbetov Zh., Yuldasheva T. and Khudaibergenova R., Uzbek citizens who were previously detained in Kazakhstan over the events in Nukus, according to the Turkmen Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights[80].

October 16, Zhanaozen, Dosekeyeva Zh., Article 174, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the RK, was summoned to the police under a political criminal case. The reason for opening a criminal case was a critical publication of April 16, 2024 in the social network Tiktok, where she calls on subscribers to “banish the enemy power” in order not to become “slaves”[81].

October 16, Astana, Zhagiparov B., Article 256-2, Part 3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK: the court considered the appellate complaint about unlawful imposition of a fine against the activist. The appellate panel of the court decided to leave the complaint without satisfaction[82][83].

October 16, Astana, the court considered the complaint of human rights defender Dauylov M. and left the decision of the first instance unchanged, and the private complaint — without satisfaction [84][85].

October 16, Petropavlovsk, Kuramshin V., Article 73-3, Part 3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the RK, the Administrative Court considered the case on charges of the activist in slander against law enforcement officers. The case was dismissed for lack of corpus delicti[86].

October 16, a press conference on “Lawlessness in Talgar District” was to be held in Almaty. The press conference was to cover cases of arbitrariness and violations of law by officials. But before the conference began, Kurentayev Zh. was detained and later released. This was an incident organized by someone specifically to disrupt the press conference[87].

October 17, Nazarbayev’s family is manipulating laws to clean up their online reputation. Members of the former Kazakh president’s family are using loopholes in the U.S. Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to remove “negative” material about themselves from Google searches[88].

October 17, Semey, Sultanbekov K. submitted an application to hold a solitary picket in front of the library named after Abay, where the TEC is located. The action will be held in connection with the fact that the protocol of the referendum results was not posted at the polling stations. Previously, a request had been made to this body. The picket will be held due to their refusal to respond to the request[89].

October 17, Astana, the court considered the appeal of A. Ilyashev on behalf of K. Makhanbaev on compensation for property damage caused by illegal actions of DECs and TECs during the election of deputies of the Maslikhat of Almaty. The Collegium of the Court refused and left the appeal unsatisfied[90][91].

October 17, Astana, the Constitutional Court considers a complaint against refusals of akimats to give permission to hold rallies. «The Constitutional Court received a citizen’s appeal to verify compliance with the Constitution of paras. 2) and 3) paragraph 1 of Art. 11 and 10) paragraph 1 of Art. 14 of the Law “On the Procedure for Organizing and Holding Peaceful Assemblies”. It was noted that the meeting was attended by representatives of the plaintiff, the Chambers of Parliament, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministries of Justice, Culture and Information, the National Center for Human Rights, the Institutes of Parliamentarism, Legislation and Legal Information[92].

October 17, in Kyzylorda, Serikbayeva G. attended the politically motivated trial of Caster Musakhanuly, who fled the Chinese genocide and sought asylum in Kazakhstan. She and other independent observers from different regions were not allowed to attend the open court session[93].

October 17, Astana, the Administrative Court considered the claims of 3 observers against the precinct commissions No. 2 and No. 354. The court recognized as legal the actions of the election commissions on dismissal of observers. [94].

October 17, Almaty, Overview on the situation in Kazakhstan with the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from October 10 to October 17[95].

October 18, Astana, the court found Adilbekov D. guilty of «deliberately false denunciation» and “dissemination of deliberately false information” on the basis of publications in his telegram channel “Dikaya Orda” and sentenced him to 4.5 years imprisonment under Article 419, Part 3, Article 274, Part 2, p.3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan[96].

October 18, Almaty, “I need a power of attorney from Danebaev T. and it is necessary to coordinate with him our position on the trial on torture that took place in Atbasar. I, as a human rights defender and a law-abiding citizen, have sent a request to Institution No. 64 to provide me with a video meeting with Danebaev T., as I live in Almaty”- reported Toregozhina B. about the requirements of Institution No. 64 of the Department of the Criminal-Executive System of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan[97].

October 18, Akmola region, Stepnogorsk city, Institution No. 4, Zhylanbaev M, Articles 258, 405 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years of imprisonment, sent letters to human rights defender Toregozhina B, in which he told about the terrible conditions of detention and systematic violation of the rights of prisoners in the institution[98].

October 18, Astana, Legal Media Center lawyer Birzhanova G. and director Okremova D. are concerned that Adilbekov’s sentence of 4.5 years in prison will increase censorship and have a significant impact on freedom of speech[99].

October 18, Semey, Institution No. 19 (for former employees), N. Altayev, Article 366 Part 4 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. N. Altayev was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and placed in a punishment cell for giving an interview in which he criticized the actions of the current authorities in all spheres of the economy. Altayev N. did not violate the regime of detention in the camp. He gave an interview in a legal way, he called from a pay phone and it lasted for several days, because the time of conversation is limited[100].

On October 21, in Almaty, a court heard the case of anti-nuclear activist and poet Anar Akkozina against the Almaty Akimat. She sought to challenge the legality of the Almaty Akimat’s refusal in late September to allow her to hold a rally on September 28, one week before the referendum on the construction of the nuclear power plant. The court ruled: To return the plaintiff’s petition without consideration, since the plaintiff did not remedy the deficiencies in the petition[101].

October 21, Astana, the lawyer of the journalist Adilbekov D. believes that the court’s decision is unfair because there is no public danger in his case. She intends to challenge the verdict of Adilbekov D., who was sentenced under Article 419 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan to 4.6 years of imprisonment for dissemination of false denunciation and false information in Telegram-channel[102].

October 21, Uralsk, the regional court read out the judgment on the appeal of the lawyer Gabdualiev M. in the interests of Journalist Initiative LLP against the decision of the specialized court under Article 120, Part 3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan to charge a fine of 110760 tenge. The court decided: to leave the appeal without satisfaction[103].

October 22, Astana, Syzdykov A., Article 297, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 5 years’ imprisonment, said that during the last 2 weeks it was very cold in the cell of the pre-trial detention center because there was practically no heating. The administration of the pre-trial detention center claimed that this was a citywide problem, but the heating in the administrative part of the pre-trial detention center was working well[104].

October 23, Almaty, press conference, “Atomic Soldiers” — veterans of the secret special risk unit “Semipalatinsk-22”, who served at the nuclear test site SIYAP (Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site) during the period of active ground and underground nuclear tests. They told about the facts of corruption, negligence and incompetence of the ministers of the Ministry of Defense of the RK. The veterans demand the restoration of justice and the rule of law with regard to their violated rights, their struggle is for their health and life, for the health of their children and descendants in the 2nd and 3rd generations[105].

October 23, Almaty, Murat Daniyar, author of the YouTube channel “Zhurttyn Balasy “ and Executive Director of Transparency International Kazakhstan, was summoned to the Police Department. He is suspected of deliberately spreading false information before the referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan[106].

October 23, Aktau, residents of the 39th microdistrict blocked the road and demanded the Akim of the city Baipakov A. They have complained about the absence of heating in their apartments. According to the residents of the housing complex “Zhanaozen City”, the developer makes empty promises[107].

October 23, Astana, Suyubaev A., Article 297,Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 10 years of imprisonment. The court considered the activist’s appeal. The judicial board decided to leave the verdict of the criminal court of Astana from 10.09.2024 without change, the appeal complaint without satisfaction[108].

On October 23, in Almaty, a press conference “Fear of future ecological disaster in the village of Maraldy” was held. In the village of Maraldy, East Kazakhstan region, the constitutional rights of the inhabitants are being violated, as well as all the relevant legal regulations. The gold mining plant has already been built. And although the official opening has not yet taken place, according to the observations of local residents, the plant is already working in experimental mode, polluting the environment with harmful chemicals[109].

October 24, Almaty, Overview on the situation in Kazakhstan with the right to freedom of expression, receiving and disseminating information from October 17 to October 24[110].

October 24, Karaganda Region, Priozersk City Court: Almost two months after the abduction by law enforcement officials of Kamil Kasimov, who had fled Russia, the court decided to find him guilty of violating Article 517, Part 4 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation and to punish him with deportation from Kazakhstan. The response of the Ministry of Interior stated that during the court session K. Kasimov admitted his guilt and asked the court to expel him from the country[111].

October 24, Pavlodar, journalist Maricheva D. stated that Kazakhstani police are again taking an interest in her[112].

October 26, Aktau, the residents of the city massively complained about the cut-off of heating in several microdistricts of the city. In protest, they blocked one of the city’s central streets, causing a traffic jam. In response, officials promptly sent balaclava-clad men to the site of the spontaneous rally to break up the gathering[113].

October 28, Astana, on the basis of the consultative and advisory body “Dialogue Platform on Human Dimension” under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Deputy Minister of Justice Zhakselekova B. and keynote speakers from the human rights community Ibraeva A. and Zhovtis Ye. presented two points of view on Kazakhstan. The two points of view on Kazakhstan will remain in this form until Geneva, where at the end of January 2025 Kazakhstan will report for the fourth time within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review[114].

October 28, Almaty, Sadvakasova E., Article 423 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan: Alatau District Court of Almaty read out the verdict, according to which the activist was found guilty. She was sentenced to 1 year of restriction of freedom and 100 hours of work a year[115].

October 29, Almaty, Human rights groups say Kazakh authorities have not investigated torture during January events or compensated victims. The International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR, based in Brussels), the Kazakhstan Human Rights Bureau and the Coalition Against Torture say in their report that victims of ill-treatment have experienced violations of their rights to a fair trial and due process of law[116].

October 29, Kostanay region, Rudnyi city, the court of 1st instance recognized Olga B. as a victim of violation of her labor rights and ordered to pay her wages for the period of her forced absence from work. However, according to the decision of the appeal court, her property and accounts were seized[117].

October 29, Konaev city, Mukhamedkarim Duman, Articles 258, 405 of the Criminal Code of the RK, 7 years of imprisonment. Mukhamedkarim D. refused to participate in the appeal court in protest against the fact that he was not properly familiarized with the video materials of the criminal case. Now he is being held in the TDF of Konaev city[118].

October 30, Astana, “Talking about human rights and civil society in the contemporary world, one can come to the very sad conclusion that they are practically hostage to geopolitical and domestic contexts. The geopolitical context for Central Asia in this respect is not the most favorable, as the region is located between Russia and China, two totalitarian superpowers that actively use their legislation, institutions and law enforcement practices against their political opponents, journalists, human rights defenders, civil society activists and organizations”, — said human rights activist Ye. Zhovtis in his speech at the “Central Asian Think Tanks Forum”[119].

October 30, in Astana, the consideration of the appeal of the lawyer Doskaraev M. in the interests of Abishev A. about the fine was left without satisfaction[120].

October 31, in Astana, the court began to consider the lawsuit of journalists Astakhov I., Baimanov D., Vaal T., Zholdasbai S., Zhulmukhametova Zh., Koskina A., Oribayev A., Prilepskaya A., Urankaeva Zh. against the Ministry of Culture and Information. They are challenging the new “Model Rules of Accreditation”, believing that they restrict freedom of speech[121].

On October 30-31, an international conference on accelerating the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption in Central Asia was held in Astana. Participants discussed pressing issues of asset recovery, corruption prevention, digitization, civil society participation in anti-corruption efforts, and strengthening cooperation[122].

October 31, Almaty, activist Sengirbaeva L. was summoned to the police after she attempted to get an appointment with the Akim of Bostandyk district Sanjar Alin. A criminal case on the theft of a purse was brought against the woman[123].

[1] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/33146538.html

[2] https://rus.azattyq.org/a/33141509.html

[3] https://www.facebook.com/groups/ActivistsNotExtremists/posts/3926313831021204/

[4] https://kaztag.kz/ru/news/sud-vernul-isk-protiv-kabmina-kazakhstana-o-priznanii-nezakonnym-resheniya-o-perevode-chasov

[5]https://web.facebook.com/groups/2613737598955074/permalink/3701917093470447/?mibextid=K35XfP&rdid=Xg8Py4mUSiUhUo6T&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fp%2Fijed4WegoGKEW79Z%2F%3Fmibextid%3DK35XfP&_rdc=1&_rdr

[6]https://rus.azattyq.org/a/33143196.html

[7] https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=544838794692256

[8] https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2539405299782779

[9]https://web.facebook.com/toregozhina/posts/pfbid0PukyrKXca7Q85Xm2nGCy7dkEYouARdthZ2xBKKA1zUGBzWNn9L5pYtMERrhG7E6Yl?_rdc=1&_rdr

[10]https://web.facebook.com/toregozhina/posts/pfbid02hKqnWLXsniu1yVeqa523qKyA2XnPeWgQxCmnCb9KmJRN1qmQWK19119NpjcPPkucl?_rdc=1&_rdr

[11] https://kaztag.kz/ru/news/politsiyu-almaty-nakanune-referenduma-pereveli-na-usilennyy-rezhim-raboty

[12] https://kaztag.kz/ru/news/zamgenprokurora-ne-smog-otvetit-na-vopros-o-zaderzhaniyakh-nakanune-referenduma-po-aes-v-rk