POLITICAL PERSECUTION IN KAZAKHSTAN MONTHLY MONITORING REPORT DECEMBER 1-31, 2025

DEC. 1, 2025 — ALMATY — Police detained several senior members from the news outlet Orda.kz staff, including its editor-in-chief, news editor, and accountant. According to eyewitness accounts, equipment and documents were seized from the newsroom, while the SOBR special forces officers reportedly forcibly removed legal counsel from the premises obstructing their access to the scene. ^[1]

DEC. 1, 2025 — PAVLODAR — A court convicted Yevgeny Khabarov, an activist and head of the Tauan public foundation, of beaching Article 456-2 (Part 3) of the Kazakh Code of Administrative Offences. Mr. Khabarov was ordered to pay a fine of 55,048 tenges following an Instagram story which the court deemed he to have misrepresented legal provisions concerning the refusal of permission for a peaceful assembly. ^[2]

DEC. 1, 2025 — A coalition led by the legal practitioner Serik Abishev, alongside a collective of lawyers, journalists, and private citizens, formally petitioned the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Constitutional Court, and both houses of Parliament (the Senate and the Majilis). The submission, lodged via the e-Otinish digital platform, seeks the decriminalisation of Article 274 of the Kazakh Penal Code and its subsequent reclassification as an administrative offence. ^[3]

DEC. 1, 2025 — AKTOBE Region — Pursuant to a judgment of the Aktobe Regional Court, the Akimat of the Mugalzhar District summarily dismissed Kazbek Akkayir from the office of Akim. The removal follows Mr. Akkayir’s conviction in late 2025 for an offence of battery, contrary to Article 109-1 of the Kazakh Penal Code. The court upheld findings of physical assault against a female complainant and affirmed a punitive fine of 314,560 tenges. ^[4]

DEC. 1, 2025 — ORAL — The Department of Justice has refused the registration of the Ashyk360 public foundation on 16 occasions. Khakim Mendybai confirmed that legal proceedings have been initiated against the Department, alleging that the refusals are politically motivated. Mr. Mendybai contends that the registration is being withheld due to the foundation’s stated objectives of promoting electoral transparency, procedural fairness, and human rights advocacy. ^[5]

DEC. 1, 2025 — AKMOLA Region — The legal representative Denis Malyuga once again was refused access to his client, Marat Zhylanbaev, in a move that constitutes a further breach of the right to legal counsel. Mr. Zhylanbaev is currently serving a custodial sentence at Penitentiary Institution No. 4 in Stepnogorsk, following convictions under Articles 405 (Part 2) and 258 (Part 2) of the Kazakh Penal Code. ^[6]

DEC. 1, 2025 — ALMATY — Operational searches are currently being executed at the editorial offices of Orda.kz and the private residence of its editor-in-chief, Gulnara Bazhkenova. Law enforcement officers have cordoned off the premises, denying entry to all parties, including legal counsel. Ms Bazhkenova has subsequently been placed under house arrest pending further investigation. ^[7]

DEC. 1, 2025 — ALMATY — A further criminal investigation was initiated against Temirlan Yensebek, who is currently serving a five-year suspended sentence for an offence under Article 174 (Part 1) of the Kazakh Penal Code. The new proceedings have been brought under Article 274 of the Code, concerning the dissemination of deliberately false information. The complaint was formally lodged by Yedil Zhanbyrshin, a deputy of the Majilis. While the allegations are understood to relate to the Qaznews24 social media page, the specific content cited in the deputy’s submission has not been disclosed. ^[8]

DEC. 1, 2025 — ALMATY — Eurasia POL issued a formal communique concerning the legal status of Gulnara Bazhkenova, the editor-in-chief of the news outlet Orda.kz, to addresses the recent procedural actions taken against her. ^[9]

DEC. 1, 2025 — ALMATY — The Adil Soz International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech released a formal statement concerning the ongoing legal and administrative proceedings involving the news outlet Orda.kz. ^[10]

DEC. 2, 2025 — ASTANA — The digital infrastructure of the online publication Vlast was experiencing significant instability following a sustained ‘Distributed Denial of Service’ (DDoS) attack. In a formal statement, Vlast confirmed that its servers have been targeted for several days, with the most severe disruption recorded on December 2nd. ^[11]

DEC. 2, 2025 — ASTANA — The Legal Media Centre issued a formal statement concerning the ongoing procedural developments involving the editorial staff of Orda.kz. ^[12]

DEC. 2, 2025 — ATYRAU Region — Proprietors of right-hand drive vehicles bearing Armenian registration plates contend that intensified police enforcement has effectively curtailed their rights to freedom of movement along the Atyrau-Dossor highway and obstructed their ability to conduct business. The motorists have formally demanded that the police authorities provide a legal justification for the recent escalation in vehicular inspections and disclose the rationale behind the targeted nature of these operations. ^[13]

DEC. 2, 2025 — MANGYSTAU Region — Sultan Shyntemirov, a conscripted soldier, provided a formal account of sustained physical abuse allegedly endured during his military service. Mr. Shyntemirov contends that he was subjected to repeated acts of violence by fellow personnel, including being struck with blunt objects and subjected to physical assault in non-monitored areas of the barracks. He stated that the motive for these attacks was never disclosed. Mr. Shyntemirov further testified that the cumulative psychological and physical distress led him to engage in acts of self-harm. ^[14]

DEC. 2, 2025 — KARAGANDA Region — In a public video appeal, villagers from Kyzylkayin petitioned President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for urgent intervention regarding the deteriorating state of local infrastructure. The community contends that repeated representations to the Akimat — requesting essential road repairs, heightened regulation of heavy quarry traffic, and the implementation of robust safety measures — have remained unaddressed. ^[15]

DEC. 2, 2025 — ALMATY — The Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan issued a formal representation to the investigating authorities, advocating for a comprehensive, objective, and impartial review of the criminal proceedings initiated against Gulnara Bazhkenova. Following the order for Ms Bazhkenova’s house arrest, the professional journalistic community has called upon law enforcement agencies to ensure strict adherence to the rule of law and, fundamentally, to safeguard the presumption of innocence. ^[16]

DEC. 3, 2025 — USA — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) formally urged the Kazakhstani authorities to summarily discontinue the criminal proceedings against Gulnara Bazhkenova, the Orda.kz editor-in-chief. In a statement, the advocacy body argued that the charges lack a credible legal basis and represent a disproportionate use of the criminal justice system to stifle independent media. ^[17].

DEC. 3, 2025 — ASTANA — Gaukhar Tanasheva, a former deputy of the Majilis representing the People’s Party of Kazakhstan, has alleged that parliamentary proceedings are subject to a predetermined ‘scenario’. Ms Tanasheva, who was subsequently expelled from her party and vacated her seat following the submission of a parliamentary inquiry into a sensitive social matter, claims that the legislative process lacks genuine autonomy. ^[18]

DEC. 3, 2025 — ASTANA — A group representing the mothers of deceased service personnel formally lodged a notice with the Astana municipal authorities to convene a peaceful assembly on December 16th 2025. The planned demonstration highlights a burgeoning crisis within the Kazakh Armed Forces; official data indicates 270 fatalities over the preceding three-year period, a figure representing a mortality rate of one serviceman every four days. The petitioners seek both a transparent investigation into these deaths and a comprehensive review of the military’s internal safety and safeguarding protocols. ^[19]

DEC. 3, 2025 — ASTANA — Transgender rights activist Yara Tychina was detained following a ‘solitary picket’ in protest against proposed legislative amendments aimed at prohibiting ‘LGBT propaganda.’ Ms Tychina called upon the Senate, the Presidential Administration, and the President to withdraw the amendments, contending that such measures infringe upon fundamental human rights. ^[20]

DEC. 3, 2025 — ASTANA — Members of the Majilis passed the Law on Crime Prevention alongside a series of accompanying amendments, which significantly heighten the procedural requirements for the submission of public petitions. Magerram Magerramov, a member of the lower house, asserted that the expansion of the list of prohibited petition topics is a necessary measure to ‘preclude abuses capable of destabilising the social order.’ ^[21]

DEC. 3, 2025 — ASTANA — Authorities in Kazakhstan are currently drafting a strategic roadmap for the continued evolution of the nation’s criminal justice system, spanning the 2026–2030 period. Central to this reform is an enhanced focus on prisoner rehabilitation, whereby incarcerated individuals are provided with vocational training in high-demand sectors. These initiatives are designed to facilitate successful reintegration into the labour market upon release. ^[22]

DEC. 3, 2025 — ASTANA — The Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan, Aleška Simkić, held a high-level meeting with the Deputy Chairman of the Senate, Zhakyb Asanov, to formally convey the Union’s concerns regarding the legislative amendments recently passed by the Majilis. The proposed measures, which seek to prohibit so-called ‘LGBT propaganda,’ have drawn scrutiny from European External Action Service; Ambassador Simkić underscored the imperative for Kazakhstan to adhere to its international obligations and to safeguard the fundamental rights of all citizens. ^[23]

DEC. 4, 2025 — ASTANA — The Majilis, the lower house of Parliament, passed amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences, instituting a formal prohibition on face-covering attire, including the niqab, within public spaces. Under the new legislative framework, violations of these provisions are punishable by an initial formal warning, followed by a financial penalty of 10 Monthly Calculation Indices (MCI). ^[24]

DEC. 4, 2025 — ASTANA — In its recently published Freedom on the Net 2025 index, the international watchdog Freedom House assigned Kazakhstan a score of 37 out of 100, maintaining the nation’s classification as ‘not free.’ The report’s findings highlight a persistent trend of state-mandated digital interference, citing the systematic blocking of web domains and the enactment of restrictive legislation. The authors contend that these measures constitute a significant encroachment upon online freedom of expression and undermine the digital rights of the citizenry. ^[25]

DEC. 4, 2025 — ORAL — Municipal authorities have refused an application by activists Bekbulat Utebayev and Marua Yeskendirova to convene a peaceful assembly, citing procedural deficiencies within the formal notification. The administration contends that the submission failed to meet statutory disclosure requirements, rendering the request invalid under current regulatory frameworks. ^[26]

DEC. 4, 2025 — AKTOBE — The Aktobe Regional Court dismissed an appeal lodged by the State Institution ‘Department for Coordination of Employment and Social Programmes,’ upholding a prior ruling by the Specialized Interdistrict Administrative Court. The lower court had previously determined that the state’s social services portal, specifically its mobile application, failed to meet mandatory accessibility standards for visually impaired users. ^[27]

DEC. 4, 2025 — AKTOBE — The Aktobe Regional Court dismissed an appeal lodged by Musagali Dauylov against a prior judgment of the Specialised Interdistrict Administrative Court. The claimant had sought to challenge a decision by the Aktobe City Administration (the ‘Akim’s Office’) to withhold authorisation for a peaceful assembly scheduled for 26-27 May 2025. In upholding the lower court’s ruling, the appellate panel affirmed the lawfulness of the executive decree, concluding that the refusal was justified on the grounds that the designated venues were already occupied by pre-existing bookings, as evidenced by the case file. ^[28]

DEC. 4, 2025 — SHYMKENT — A criminal court presided over proceedings against Maksat Bizhigit, an individual of previous good character and no fixed occupation, in relation to charges brought pursuant to Article 121-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The defendant was convicted of the sexual solicitation of a minor under the age of 16, following an incident on public transport. Upon conviction, the court imposed a 25-day custodial sentence. ^[29]

DEC. 4, 2025 — ASTANA — The Senate issued a formal clarification regarding the deferral of the debate on proposed amendments to regulations concerning so-called ‘LGBT propaganda.’ The upper house of Parliament stated that the bill requires exhaustive further scrutiny, noting that the legislation would impact 12 separate statutes and carries significant implications for child protection frameworks. ^[30]

DEC. 5, 2025 — ATYRAU Region — Police was alerted after residents in the village of Erkinqala discovered several desecrated graves at a local Muslim cemetery. Eyewitness reports indicate varying degrees of damage, ranging from the defacement of individual masonry to the total destruction of established monuments. The incident has caused significant distress within the local community, where concerns are mounting that the cemetery was the target of a deliberate act of vandalism. ^[31]

DEC. 5, 2025 — AKTOBE Region — Residents of the village of Shitubek, located in the Temir District, issued a formal petition to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, warning of an imminent environmental catastrophe. The community contends that their homes are positioned at the epicentre of a burgeoning ecological crisis, purportedly caused by the mismanagement of the Saigak oil field. Concerns centre on the presence of abandoned and unsecured wells, alongside the suspected contamination of the Shili River. The petitioners are calling for urgent state intervention to address these systemic failures in environmental safeguarding and to prevent a total collapse of the local ecosystem. ^[32]

DEC. 5, 2025 — ORAL — The municipal court № 2 ordered the deportation of 16-year-old Timur Turkov, a Russian national who sought sanctuary in Kazakhstan citing political persecution following his arrival in September. The court found Mr. Turkov guilty of the clandestine crossing of a state border, subsequently imposing a five-year re-entry ban. Under the terms of the ruling, the minor is to be repatriated to the Russian Federation, where he faces a six-month custodial sentence. ^[33]

DEC. 6, 2025 — AKMOLA Region — Residents of the village of Mamai submitted a formal petition to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, alleging a systemic denial of their proprietary rights spanning nearly a decade. In a public statement, the villagers contended that they have been deprived of profits, dividends, and statutory reporting regarding the management of their collective land shares. The petitioners are calling for a high-level investigation into the matter and the formal reinstatement of their legal entitlements, asserting that their rights as shareholders have been consistently undermined. ^[34]

DEC. 6, 2025 — ORAL — Municipal authorities are facing serious allegations of orchestrating a systemic ‘culling’ of stray animals, following a surge of distressing content shared on social media. Digital evidence, including photographs and video footage circulated by residents, purportedly depicts instances of extreme brutality occurring in public spaces. These claims are corroborated by data from the regional veterinary department, which indicates that 50% of captured animals are subsequently destroyed despite Kazakhstan’s animal welfare legislation, which contains specific provisions for the prosecution of aggravated cruelty. ^[35]

DEC. 8, 2025 — ALMATY — Criminal proceedings were initiated against the executive leadership of the KazTAG news agency pursuant to Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The agency’s General Director, Asset Matayev, and Editor-in-Chief, Amir Kassenov, have been formally designated as suspects in the investigation. The inquiry follows a criminal complaint lodged by the financial services corporation Freedom Finance. ^[36]

DEC. 8, 2025 — ASTANA — A landmark study by the international non-governmental organisation Equality Now identified that gender-based sexual violence against women and girls with disabilities remains a pervasive, yet profoundly marginalised, crisis in Kazakhstan. The report highlights that these individuals are subject to systemic vulnerabilities, with such abuses frequently occurring beyond the reach of public scrutiny and official data. ^[37]

DEC. 8, 2025 — ALMATY — Shapagat Kadyrova, the widow of Akimzhan Bekturgan, who was killed during the civil unrest of January 2022, started a symbolic protest march from Almaty to Astana to demand judicial accountability. Ms Kadyrova stated she was undertaking the journey in a ‘quest for justice’ following the cessation of legal proceedings into her husband’s death. Although an initial criminal investigation was launched into allegations of ‘abuse of authority’ by state officials, the case was subsequently discontinued. ^[38]

DEC. 8, 2025 — NORTH KAZAKHSTAN Region — In the village of Novoishimskoye, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the residence of activist Nurbolu Onerkhan. The proceedings were documented via video by both the authorities and Mr. Onerkhan, who subsequently confirmed that the investigation pertains to Article 405, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Following an initial hearing, the investigative court ordered that the defendant be remanded under house arrest pending further inquiries. ^[39]

DEC. 8, 2025 — ALMATY — “My optimism regarding the prospects for national reform is rapidly diminishing, as is my confidence in the ability to hold public officials to the letter of the law,” stated the prominent human rights defender, Baqytzhan Toregozhina. Ms Toregozhina characterised the ongoing treatment of Marat Zhylanbayev as a ‘travesty of justice.’ Mr. Zhylanbayev is currently serving a seven-year custodial sentence under Articles 258 and 405 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan at Institution No. 4. Ms Toregozhina alleged that for two years, the facility’s director, Kuanysh Medeyev, has obstructed the lawful issuance of a power of attorney, thereby denying her the legal authority required to represent the prisoner’s interests. ^[40]

DEC. 8, 2025 — AKMOLA Region — Civil rights activist Marat Musabayev reported that an investigating officer connected to the criminal proceedings against Amangeldy Dzhakhin attended his residence to serve a formal witness summons. It is understood that the authorities are seeking to examine Mr. Musabayev in relation to specific financial transactions and money transfers relevant to the case. ^[41]

DEC. 8, 2025 — NEW YORK, USA — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed grave concern regarding the criminal allegations levelled against Asset Matayev, director of the KazTAG news agency, and editor-in-chief Amir Kassenov, for the purported dissemination of false information. In a formal representation, the CPJ reiterated its longstanding appeal to the Kazakh authorities to decriminalise defamation. The organisation contends that such matters should fall exclusively within the ambit of civil litigation, urging the state to ensure that disputes involving the press are adjudicated solely within the jurisdiction of non-custodial, restorative legal channels rather than criminal prosecution. ^[42]

DEC. 8, 2025 — GENEVA, Switzerland — During the annual session of its governing Council, the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration (IOM) formally designated the Kazakhstani artist and humanitarian, Dimash Kudaibergen, as a Global Goodwill Ambassador. In his new capacity, Mr. Kudaibergen is expected to champion the rights of migrants and promote the IOM’s strategic objectives on the international stage. ^[43].

DEC. 8, 2025 — ASTANA — The Kazakh authorities unveiled a significant legislative initiative aimed at intensifying regulatory oversight of the domestic media landscape and the ‘blogosphere.’ Under a new proposal put forward by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, operators of unattributed Telegram channels would be placed under a statutory obligation to disclose the identities of their beneficial owners. ^[44]

DEC. 9, 2025 — WEST KAZAKHSTAN Region — Residents of Karasu, Zhuldyz, Ashysay, and Bostandyk, among other neighbouring villages, convened on the Zhalpaktal-Komekshi arterial road to register a formal protest against the standard of essential maintenance. The community alleges that the appointed contractor has demonstrated a significant and persistent deficiency in the execution of its repair obligations. Local stakeholders contend that during periods of adverse weather conditions and seasonal runoff, the thoroughfare deteriorates to the point of being unnavigable, effectively isolating the communities and raising urgent concerns regarding the adequacy of public infrastructure oversight. ^[45]

DEC. 9, 2025 — WEST KAZAKHSTAN Region — The West Kazakhstan Region reportedly records the lowest rate of inmate employment nationally, with only 420 individuals currently engaged in labour. This figure represents just 37% of the region’s total custodial population, a significant deviation from the national average. ^[46]

DEC. 9, 2025 — KARAGANDA — In a formal petition addressed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, residents issued an urgent appeal to safeguard the continued operation of the ‘House for the Disabled.’ The signatories contend that the facility represents a fundamental pillar of support and an essential service, remaining the primary guarantor of their right to a life of dignity. ^[47]

DEC. 9, 2025 — CALIFORNIA, USA — Google and Apple issued a joint advisory to Central Asian nations regarding a coordinated wave of cyber-intrusions. Notably, Google has designated Kazakhstan as a ‘high-risk’ jurisdiction following the detection of sophisticated exploit chains. In a formal statement, the company’s Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) confirmed that Kazakhstan is among the specific geographies where the deployment of ‘Intellexa’, a highly intrusive commercial spyware suite, has been empirically recorded. ^[48]

DEC. 9, 2025 — ALMATY — Shapagat Kadyrova, the widow of Akimzhan Bekturgan, a fatality of the January 2022 civil unrest, suspended the protest march toward Astana which she had initially commenced on 8 December. Ms Kadyrova has now indicated her intention to proceed to the capital via public transport; however, she is seeking a high-level audience with representatives of the Almaty Akimat (Mayor’s Office) prior to her departure. ^[49]

DEC. 9, 2025 — ALMATY — The Adil Soz Foundation issued a formal injunction to law enforcement agencies, urging them to rigorously observe the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The Foundation demands comprehensive transparency throughout the investigative process and calls upon the state to uphold the statutory protections afforded to journalists. Amid the ongoing developments pertaining to the KazTAG news agency, the organisation underscores the imperative of safeguarding professional rights. ^[50]

DEC. 9, 2025 — AKMOLA Region — Marat Zhylanbayev, currently serving a seven-year custodial sentence at Penitentiary No. 4 in Stepnogorsk, terminated a 50-day hunger strike. Mr. Zhylanbayev, convicted under Articles 405 (Part 2) and 258 (Part 2) of the Kazakh Criminal Code, has lodged a formal grievance regarding the repeated denial of his right to legal counsel. Despite multiple applications, prison authorities have reportedly failed to facilitate a power of attorney for human rights advocate Baqytzhan Toregozhina. Although the Prosecutor’s Office has formally ruled this administrative omission to be a breach of statutory duty, the authorities’ continued failure to act raises significant concerns regarding the defendant’s access to justice. ^[51]

DEC. 10, 2025 — ASTANA — The Kazakh Ministry of Culture and Information formally rejected a petition entitled ‘We oppose the criminalisation of LGBTIQ+ persons,’ which had been lodged via the national E-petition platform on 17 November. In a statement justifying the dismissal, the Ministry contended that the submission failed to meet the requisite criteria for consideration, asserting that the petition sought to address matters falling outside the permissible scope of the Administrative Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. ^[52]

DEC. 10, 2025 — ASTANA — Amir Kasenov, the Editor-in-Chief of KazTAG, asserted his statutory right to demand procedural equality and a transparent judicial process. Mr. Kassenov is formally calling for the attendance of Timur Turlov, Chief Executive of Freedom Finance, for a face-to-face adversarial interview under police supervision. The Editor-in-Chief contends that such a measure is essential to ensure parity between the parties and remains a cornerstone of his right to equality of arms as mandated by law. ^[53]

DEC. 10, 2025 — WEST KAZAKHSTAN Region — During a formal press briefing, Nurgisa Kamashev, the Head of the Digital Technology Department for the West Kazakhstan Region, announced that following a comprehensive audit of regional infrastructure, mobile network operators have been issued with detailed analytical findings and remedial recommendations. These directives are intended to facilitate a strategic enhancement of telecommunications connectivity throughout the forthcoming fiscal year, ensuring that service providers align with regional performance benchmarks. ^[54]

DEC. 10, 2025 — ASTANA — Members of Parliament Yermurat Bapi and Sergey Ponomarev, joined by a coalition of prominent public figures, formally signalled their high-level endorsement of the leadership of the international news agency, KazTAG. ^[55]

DEC. 10, 2025 — ASTANA — In a joint briefing, prominent members of the business community and legal counsel asserted that the extrajudicial criminalisation of commercial disputes in Kazakhstan is assuming a systemic character. Stakeholders warned that this prevailing environment of executive overreach risks precipitating a withdrawal of foreign direct investment and a significant flight of capital, thereby irreversibly compromising confidence in state institutions. ^[56]

DEC. 10, 2025 — ALMATY — The digital infrastructure of the independent online publication Vlast was subjected to a further instance of sustained and high-volume DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) incursion. According to disclosures from the outlet, on 9 December its servers were inundated by more than one million automated requests, a volume designed to saturate the system and obstruct public access to the platform. ^[57]

DEC. 10, 2025 — ASTANA — To mark International Human Rights Day, a high-level roundtable entitled ‘Kazakhstan: The Role of Media in Developing a Sustainable Society’ examined the intersection of press freedom and national stability. Convened under the auspices of the Legal Media Centre and Internews, with the formal patronage of the European Union and the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, the forum underscored the critical function of independent journalism in fortifying democratic institutions and fostering a resilient civil society. ^[58]

DEC. 10, 2025 — The NeMolchiKZ Foundation announced entering a hiatus, citing an unsustainable convergence of financial and operational constraints. The decision was attributed to a critical deficit in funding and significant personnel exhaustion resulting from the unprecedented caseload managed by its crisis hotline. The Foundation further noted that the deteriorating health of its primary operator has necessitated this immediate cessation of services. ^[59]

DEC. 11, 2025 — JEZKAZGAN — Legal counsel Elmira Zhalmagambetova was summarily denied access to Penitentiary No. 62, where she was scheduled to consult with her client, Nurzhan Altayev. Mr. Altayev is currently serving a ten-year custodial sentence following his conviction under Article 366 (Part 4) of the Kazakh Criminal Code. The prison governor reportedly blocked the visit, asserting that the lawyer’s previous consultations were sufficient and stating that, in the absence of a formal written request for assistance from the inmate, further access would be denied. ^[60]

DEC. 11, 2025 — SHYMKENT — Asylbek Yeshtayev, Nazira Mamyrova, Zhanar Durmanova, and Yermek Kuanyshbay were summarily sanctioned, with each defendant ordered to pay an administrative fine of 98,300 tenges. The penalties were handed down following convictions under Article 488 (Part 10) of the Code of Administrative Offences, arising from the defendants’ participation in a digital ‘video challenge’ broadcast on 20 November 2025. The proceedings centred on the group’s public articulation of dissent regarding the proposed formation of a ‘union state’ between Kazakhstan and Russia. ^[61]

DEC. 12, 2025 — KARAGANDA Region — The future of Temirtau’s sole motocross club hangs in the balance as the institution faces the imminent threat of dissolution. In an urgent representation to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the club’s coaching staff have sought executive intervention to avert the facility’s closure. The petitioners contend that the state has a requisite duty to ensure the club’s continued viability and to safeguard the developmental rights of the youth under its care. ^[62]

DEC. 12, 2025 — ASTANA — Content creators in Kazakhstan are facing intensified judicial scrutiny, as an increasing number of influencers become subjects of both administrative and criminal proceedings. Recent enforcement actions have targeted individuals for ‘petty hooliganism’ (pranks) and the facilitation of unregulated sweepstakes. The nation’s burgeoning digital media landscape is now robustly governed by the Law ‘On Online Platforms and Online Advertising’ and the Law ‘On Mass Media,’ marking a shift toward more rigorous statutory oversight of digital content and online conduct. ^[63]

DEC. 14, 2025 — ASTANA — In the criminal proceedings initiated against KazTAG following a complaint by the Freedom Finance and its Chief Executive, Timur Turlov, evidence has emerged suggesting an apparent synchronisation of efforts by regional law enforcement agencies, according to a report by the agency’s correspondent. ^[64]

DEC. 15, 2025 — ASTANA — The United States Embassy released a formal communiqué regarding the criminal proceedings initiated against KazTAG, affirming that it continues to closely monitor legal actions involving media entities. In a statement underscoring the vital role of the Fourth Estate, the Embassy asserted that freedom of expression constitutes the bedrock of a liberal democracy. The mission further articulated its expectation that international partners uphold their multilateral commitments, respect the institutional rights of the press, and strictly eschew any recourse to censorship. ^[65]

DEC. 15, 2025 — ALMATY — Amir Kassenov, the Editor-in-Chief of KazTAG, issued a formal allegation of illicit investigative techniques and torture by the Almaty police department. Mr. Kassenov contends that these purported abuses were ostensibly facilitated by a fabricated and procedurally flawed criminal investigation. ^[66]

DEC. 15, 2025 — AKTOBE — Aktobe City Court No. 3 adjudicated on a civil claim brought by Musagali Dauylov against the Akim of Aktobe, Azamat Beket, and Department of Internal Policy. The claimant sought a judicial declaration to invalidate Executive Order No. 2, issued on 29 March 2024 by the Akim concerning the declaration of a local natural emergency. Mr. Dauylov contended that the measure was subject to an unjustified extension; however, the court has ordered a dismissal of the proceedings, upholding the validity of the administrative decision. ^[67] ^[68]

DEC. 15, 2025 — KYZYLORDA — Activist Kambar Zhusupov was convicted under Article 313 (Part 1) of the Kazakhstan Criminal Code, citing the dissemination of material purportedly ‘promoting an ethos cruelty and violence.’ Mr. Zhusupov was handed a one-year suspended sentence, supplemented by an annual requirement of 100 hours of compulsory community service and a fine equivalent to 10 Monthly Calculation Indices (MCI). The prosecution’s case centred on a Facebook post shared by the defendant in September, which contained footage detailing civilian casualties in Palestine. ^[69]

DEC. 16, 2025 — ALMATY — To coincide with Independence Day, the kin of Meirbolat Bishuinov, currently serving a four-year custodial sentence under Article 174 of the Kazakh Criminal Code, convened at the ‘Tauelsizdі tany’ monument to issue a formal appeal for his immediate exoneration. Proponents maintain that the proceedings against Mr. Bishuinov are politically motivated, contending that his conviction is a direct reprisal for his civil activism. ^[70].

DEC. 16, 2025 — ALMATY — Gulnara Bazhkenova, Editor-in-Chief of Orda.kz, remains under house arrest, a measure her legal counsel, Murat Adam, contends effectively precludes her from defending both herself and her publication against a purported hostile takeover. Mr. Adam characterised the restrictive nature of these conditions as a form of ‘torture,’ arguing that the current judicial constraints amount to an impermissible obstruction of her right to safeguard her editorial independence and professional interests. ^[71]

DEC. 16, 2025 — ALMATY, AKTAU, SHYMKENT — Coinciding with the scheduled peaceful demonstrations of 16 December 2025, reports emerged of intensified political targeting across Kazakhstan. Civil society actors Bibigul Imangalieva, Aizhan Dzholdasova, Bolat Nurgazin, Serik Idyryshev, and Kumis Kulmanova have reportedly been subjected to intrusive state surveillance. ^[72]

DEC. 16, 2025 — ALMATY — Disclosures indicate a wave of pre-emptive state interventions ahead of the assemblies scheduled for 16 December 2025, including the commencement of criminal proceedings, administrative sanctions, and targeted detentions directed at civil society actors. ^[73].

DEC. 16, 2025 — ASTANA — Civil rights activist Elvira Bekzadina was apprehended in the precincts of her residence by law enforcement authorities. Following the initiation of criminal proceedings under Article 380 of the Kazakh Criminal Code, an investigative court has mandated her placement under house arrest. ^[74]

DEC. 16, 2025 — TALGAR — Oqap Mukazhanov was summarily convicted under Article 488, Part 7 of the Kazakh Code of Administrative Offences, following allegations that he incited participation in an unauthorised public assembly scheduled for 16 December 2025. The tribunal imposed a financial penalty of 196,900 tenges. In a coordinated police intervention, Mr. Mukazhanov was intercepted while travelling by public transport to Almaty, where he intended to lay flowers at the ‘Dawn of Independence’ monument; he was subsequently detained and forcibly returned to his place of residence in Talgar. ^[75]

DEC. 17, 2025 — ORAL — An inquiry conducted by the Uralsk Garrison Military Prosecutor’s Office into the military department of the West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University uncovered significant breaches of employment law. Audit findings indicate a series of unauthorised payroll increments, with faculty salaries purportedly inflated by sums ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 tenges. ^[76]

DEC. 17, 2025 — ASTANA — Abzal Kuspan, Member of the Majilis, condemned the continued practice of shackling detainees and convicts during medical interventions, particularly the use of handcuffs on women during obstetric care and labour. Mr. Kuspan asserted that such measures constitute a fundamental breach of national law and the Constitution, as well as a violation of international human rights conventions. He further maintained that the use of restraints under these circumstances may be legally categorised as a form of torture or ‘inhuman and degrading treatment’. ^[77]

DEC. 17, 2025 — ALMATY — Proceedings commenced at the Bostandyk District Court No. 2 in the criminal trial of activist Aizhan Mameshova. The defendant stands accused under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which concerns the dissemination of deliberately false information. ^[78]

DEC. 17, 2025 — A coalition of nine international human rights organisations issued a joint declaration condemning the intensified pressure exerted by Kazakhstani authorities on independent journalists and media outlets in recent weeks. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that the signatories have called upon the Republic of Kazakhstan to uphold its obligations to respect and safeguard media pluralism. The statement underscores the imperative for the state to guarantee the fundamental rights to press freedom and the unfettered access to information. ^[79]

DEC. 17, 2025 — ASTANA — Aidos Sarym, a Member of Parliament, presented a formal petition endorsed by 62 representatives of the Amanat faction, citing the recent Ukrainian drone strikes against the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) infrastructure as a matter of grave national concern. Mr. Sarym observed that a proliferation of social media discourse, in which citizens ostensibly endorse or advocate for attacks on this critical energy artery, is currently surfacing. He warned that such public expressions of support for the targeting of strategic assets constitute a direct prejudice to Kazakhstan’s national interests. ^[80]

DEC. 17, 2025 — ASTANA — The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan issued a formal statement confirming its scrutiny of the criminal proceedings currently brought against the leadership of the KazTAG news agency. In a declaration affirming the bloc’s commitment to democratic values, the Delegation noted that it is ‘closely monitoring developments in this sector,’ with a specific emphasis on the broader implications for media freedom and the protection of independent journalism within the country. ^[81]

DEC. 18, 2025 — ALMATY — The Kazakhmys Corporation is persisting in its efforts to challenge the editorial output of Exclusive.kz, alleging the dissemination of false information. In a recent supplementary filing, the corporation reiterated its grievances but notably failed to identify any specific factual inaccuracies within the reporting. Legal commentators observe that the crux of the complaint appears to be confined to the semantics of a single word within the headline. ^[82]

DEC. 18, 2025 — ASTANA — The Senate of the Republic of Kazakhstan passed, in two successive readings, a suite of legislative amendments concerning archival administration and stringent prohibitions on the dissemination of illicit materials. Inter alia, the bill introduces specific provisions proscribing the ‘propaganda of pedophilia’ alongside enshrining a ban on the promotion of so-called ‘non-traditional sexual orientations’. ^[83]

DEC. 18, 2025 — ASTANA — In an administrative ruling, the court found in favour of the NGO ‘Kadyr Kassiet’ in its claim against the Astana Department of Justice. The judiciary has issued a mandatory injunction compelling both the Department of Justice and the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan to conclude the pending administrative proceedings. Specifically, the authorities are ordered to grant the requisite statutory act for the NGO’s re-registration, following a formal relocation of its registered office. ^[84] ^[85].

DEC. 18, 2025 — PAVLODAR — A regional court dismissed an appeal lodged by the activist Yevgeny Khabarov against a judgment delivered on 1 December 2025. Mr. Khabarov had been found liable under Article 456-2, Part 3, of the Kazakh Code of Administrative Offences, resulting in a financial penalty of 55,000 tenge. Upon review of the initial findings, the appellate chamber elected to uphold the lower court’s ruling in its entirety, affirming the conviction and the associated sanction. ^[86]

DEC. 19, 2025 — ASTANA — The journalist and agricultural analyst Kirill Pavlov confirmed the dismissal of administrative proceedings initiated against him under Article 456-2, Part 3 of the Kazakh Code of Administrative Offences. The case, which centred on Mr. Pavlov’s investigative reporting into the procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by the Ministry of Agriculture, was struck out on the grounds that the statutory limitation period had expired. ^[87]

DEC. 19, 2025 — ABAI Region — In 2025, the Prosecutor’s Office intervened to uphold the statutory labor rights of 270 personnel, successfully recovering over 8 million tenge in outstanding arrears. These recoveries pertained to pension, social, and insurance contributions owed to 145 employees. The enforcement action follows a period of non-compliance regarding mandatory medical insurance transfers, a failure that systematically obstructed workers’ access to essential healthcare services. ^[88]

DEC. 19, 2025 — TARAZ — Following a comprehensive compliance review concerning the protection of rights of individuals with disabilities, the Prosecutor’s Office identified significant systemic failings. Specifically, the inquiry found that patients were routinely denied referrals for vital medical and social care assessments, a mandatory prerequisite for the formal determination of disability status and the subsequent provision of essential support services. ^[89]

DEC. 19, 2025 — ASTANA — Asset Matayev, Director of KazTAG news agency, and Editor-in-Chief Amir Kassenov, accompanied by their legal counsel and claimants in the Freedom Finance proceedings, convened a formal press conference to address alleged procedural irregularities. Outlining the purpose of the briefing, Kasenov stated: “Our presence here is to provide a public, evidence-based, and legal record of the systemic violations transpiring within the criminal investigation into KazTAG, specifically regarding the actions brought against myself and Mr. Matayev.” ^[90].

DEC. 19, 2025 — ASTANA — Following a landmark ruling by the Constitutional Court, Kazakhstan enacted significant legislative amendments in adoption proceedings. The shifts in the Code on Marriage and Family center on the repeal of a specific provision previously held to be unconstitutional, thereby fortifying the legal protections afforded to orphans and children deprived of parental care. ^[91]

DEC. 19, 2025 — ATYRAU Region — A 25-year-old electrician is in a critical condition in intensive care following a catastrophic industrial incident in the Indersky District. Yelaman Sagiyev suffered extensive injuries after being subjected to a high-voltage electrocution while on duty. His family has formally raised concerns regarding prima facie breaches of workplace safety compliance and has called for maximum public scrutiny to ensure a transparent and comprehensive independent inquiry. ^[92]

DEC. 19, 2025 — The LGBTQIA+ human rights advocacy group, REQUEST, submitted a collective petition to the President of Kazakhstan, urging a presidential veto of legislation aimed at prohibiting the so-called ‘propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation.’ In its submission, the organisation contends that the statutory language is «discriminatory, vague, and ill-defined.» They warn that such ambiguity invites arbitrary enforcement, posing a significant threat to the protection of fundamental constitutional rights and civil liberties. ^[93]

DEC. 19, 2025 — ALMATY — On 8 December, the editorial board of Exclusive.kz formally submitted an inquiry to the Ministry of Culture and Information seeking clarification on the regulatory framework governing the charitable sector. Despite the statutory deadline for a response expiring on 12 December, the Ministry failed to provide any communication. This silence constitutes a direct contravention of the Law on Mass Media, which mandates that state bodies must respond to official editorial inquiries within prescribed timeframes. ^[94]

DEC. 19, 2025 — ASTANA — Deputy Yerlan Sairov cautioned that the fiscal dependency of rural akims on regional budgets is fundamentally obstructing the delivery of campaign mandates. Sairov argues that this structural disconnect erodes public confidence in the electoral process. Consequently, he contends that further expansion of the elective system to the district level should be deferred pending a rigorous audit of the current administrative outcomes. ^[95]

DEC. 19, 2025 — ASTANA — Residents of Volkovskoye, situated within the Bukhar-Zhyrau district, issued an urgent appeal to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, seeking executive intervention regarding the derelict state of the village’s primary arterial road. The thoroughfare represents the sole logistical link between the settlement and essential regional infrastructure. Local stakeholders contend that the continued degradation of the route has severely impeded access to primary healthcare, commercial markets, and basic amenities, effectively isolating the community and compromising the fundamental socio-economic rights of its inhabitants. ^[96]

DEC. 20, 2025 — ATYRAU Region — Personnel at Makhambet District Hospital filed an anonymous representative complaint with the Ministry of Health, citing widespread non-compliance with the Republic of Kazakhstan’s labour code. The allegations detail a pattern of professional misconduct, including institutional bullying and the persistent abuse of administrative powers by the facility’s management. ^[97]

DEC. 20, 2025 — ALMATY — Member of Parliament Baqytzhan Bazarbek signaled a firm commitment to opposing the intensification of development along the Terrain Curve in Almaty. Local community contend that the development threatens to permanently extinguish the district of its last available site for sport and leisure, raising significant concerns regarding the preservation of urban recreational space. ^[98]

DEC. 20, 2025 — ASTANA — The National Social Democratic Party faction issued a formal parliamentary inquiry to the Prosecutor General and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, calling for immediate intervention to combat a sophisticated surge in digital fraud. The deputies warned that criminal syndicates are systematically targeting the elderly, specifically those aged between 60 and 80. Evidence suggests that these illicit operations are specifically engineered to induce the involuntary transfer of title deeds, resulting in the loss of primary residential assets. The faction demands a robust law enforcement response to mitigate these systemic risks to property rights and social security. ^[99]

DEC. 21, 2025 — MANGYSTAU Region — JSC Mangistaumunaigas, a petroleum producer, was cited for significant environmental breaches at the Kalamkas oil field. The Republic of Kazakhstan’s Department of Ecology has formally categorised the incident under Article 337, Part 4 of the Code of Administrative Offences. The charge relates specifically to the contamination of land with hazardous chemical agents, an act which the regulatory body asserts has resulted in environmental damage. ^[100]

DEC. 22, 2025 — ASTANA — The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan announced a fee waiver for the provision of national identity cards, effective 1 January 2026. Under the new directive, citizens will no longer incur charges for first-time applications or for subsequent renewals necessitated by expiry. ^[101]

DEC. 22, 2025 — ALMATY — Akmeir Kusheyeva alleged that she is being pressured by Bakhtiyar Blayev, a former government official previously convicted of criminal offences. Ms. Kusheyeva characterises the pressure as a direct act of retaliation for her role in publicising the open trial of her husband, the social activist Damir Kusheyev. Mr. Kusheyev is currently standing trial under Article 194 of the Kazakh Criminal Code, extortion charges which his wife describes as vexatious and politically motivated. She remains steadfast in her assertion of his innocence. ^[102]

DEC. 22, 2025 — TURKISTAN Region — An appellate court overturned a decision by the Kentau City Court to deport Daniyar Tursinbaev, an Uzbek citizen residing in the country under a valid temporary residence permit. Evidence submitted to the court detailed a period of police detention during which the appellant, a Jehovah’s Witness, was allegedly coerced into admitting to «illegal missionary activity» through the use of physical violence and intimidation. Notwithstanding the court’s decision to allow the appeal and halt deportation, the allegations of torture against the responding police department remain uninvestigated by the relevant authorities. ^[103]

DEC. 22, 2025 — ASTANA — Police officers reportedly utilised the Sergek surveillance camera network to track the vehicle of activist Yerbol Yeskhozhin. Upon intercepting the vehicle, officers informed Mr. Yeskhozhin that they were acting on a formal complaint regarding the presence of yellow and blue adhesive tape affixed to the rear window, an arrangement widely recognised as the colours of the Ukrainian national flag. Citing this report, the officers issued a formal demand for the immediate removal of the tape, characterising the display as the subject of an official grievance. ^[104]

DEC. 22, 2025 — ASTANA — Amir Kassenov, the Editor-in-Chief of the KazTAG news agency, was detained by authorities. Asset Matayev, the agency’s CEO, issued a statement via his Telegram channel condemning the move: “I consider this to be an abuse of the legal process by the authorities, acting at the behest of Timur Turlov and Freedom Finance.” He further called for Kassenov’s immediate exoneration and release, adding: “If due process exists in Kazakhstan, Amir will be cleared of all charges.” ^[105]

DEC. 23, 2025 — TURKISTAN Region — A specialised court ruled in favour of Olga Loginova, a journalist for the digital publication Vlast. The court determined that the regional Department of Ecology had unlawfully withheld findings from regulatory inspections conducted at a regional mining site. Consequently, the court has granted a mandatory injunction requiring the Department to furnish the requested documentation in full, affirming the statutory obligations of public bodies to provide transparent access to environmental impact records. ^[106]

DEC. 23, 2025 — ASTANA — The court declared the Akimat’s prohibition of a women’s rights rally, organized by activist Shynar Shayakhmetova, to be unlawful. The judiciary cited procedural irregularities and a failure by the local administration to provide suitable alternative venues as the primary grounds for the decision. The planned assembly was intended to confront the systemic issue of violence against women and to advocate for broader gender equality. According to Ms. Shayakhmetova, the demonstration aimed to galvanise public awareness and compel authorities to address the ongoing protection of women’s rights. ^[107]

DEC. 23, 2025 — ORAL — During a formal sitting of the Regional Maslikhat, Deputy Mereke Gabdualiyev moved to oppose the ratification of the Regional Economic Development Plan for the 2026–2030 quinquennium. In a robust intervention, the Deputy premised his dissent on a fundamental lack of procedural transparency, noting that the draft had been progressed without sufficient expert scrutiny or public consultation. Furthermore, Mr. Gabdualiyev contended that the proposed framework failed to account for the region’s strategic transport and aviation infrastructure. ^[108]

DEC. 24, 2025 — ASTANA — Members of the Majilis voiced formal concerns regarding the arrest of Amir Kasenov, editor-in-chief of the KazTAG news agency. Erlan Sairov, a deputy of the lower house, suggested that law enforcement may have acted ultra vires, exceeding their statutory authority: “Journalists must be afforded the liberty to exercise their professional duties and express divergent viewpoints without interference.” ^[109]

DEC. 24, 2025 — ASTANA — Amir Kassenov declared an indefinite hunger strike, effective from 23 December 2025, in protest against what he describes as a «fabricated» criminal prosecution based on deliberately false testimony. Mr. Kassenov maintains that the charges against him are entirely without merit. Records indicate that Mr. Kassenov’s custodial status was later varied, and he has since been transferred to house arrest. ^[110]

DEC. 24, 2025 — ASTANA — Victims of the Freedom Finance case issued a public appeal in support of Amir Kassenov, the detained editor of the KazTAG news agency. Statements were provided by several individuals, including Zhanna Kaparova and Kurman Isayev, who voiced their collective opposition to his continued detention. ^[111]

DEC. 24, 2025 — ALMATY — The Adil Soz Foundation views the criminal prosecution and custodial detention of Amir Kassenov, editor-in-chief of KazTAG, with profound concern. The Foundation is monitoring this matter with the utmost gravity. ^[112]

DEC. 24, 2025 — KOKSHETAU — Twelve employees of the Committee of the Criminal Executive System (KUIS) have been acquitted of charges relating to the use of unlawful methods of influence against inmates. The defendants were tried under Article 146, Part 3 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, following allegations of systemic abuse at a correctional facility in Atbasar. The press service for the Akmola Region Specialized Criminal Court confirmed a not-guilty verdict despite the gravity of the prosecution’s case. ^[113]

DEC. 24, 2025 — ASTANA — The draft law «On Crime Prevention» drew sharp condemnation from human rights advocates and members of the press, who warn the bill provides a legislative «blank cheque» for arbitrary state interference in private life. Central to the controversy is the ambiguity surrounding the legal definition of «antisocial behaviour”, a term critics argue is sufficiently elastic to be weaponised against dissent. Furthermore, the proposed empowerment of «public assistants» to maintain civil order has raised alarms regarding the lack of oversight for these auxiliary forces. The Kazakh Ministry of Internal Affairs maintains that the framework is a necessary prerequisite for public safety. ^[114]

DEC. 24, 2025 — ASTANA — Gulmira Birzhanova, Head of the Legal Service at Media Qoldau, maintains that the arrest of KazTAG Editor-in-Chief, Amir Kassenov, necessitates a heightened level of accountability from the state. Ms. Birzhanova argued that law enforcement agencies are duty-bound to provide a comprehensive official statement to justify such actions, given that the media inherently operates within the public domain and serves a vital civic function. ^[115]

DEC. 24, 2025 — PETROPAVL — Human rights defender Sergei Izmailov is convicted of contempt of court under Article 653, Part 1, of the Republic’s Administrative Code. Following the verdict, Mr. Izmailov was sanctioned with a fine of 78,640 tenges. Criticising the summary nature of the proceedings, the activist remarked: “When I posed a fundamental question as to whether this court possessed the conscience to render deliberately unlawful decisions, the response was entirely predictable. They offered neither legal argument, nor adherence to the law, but merely the weight of punishment.” ^[116]

DEC. 24, 2025 — ASTANA — The 2024 Human Rights Defenders Index ranks Kazakhstan eighth out of sixteen surveyed nations, designating the Republic as “moderately repressive.” While civil society and international advocacy networks retain a precarious foothold, human rights defenders continue to navigate a hostile landscape defined by systemic threats and significant legislative impediments. ^[117]

DEC. 24, 2025 — ASTANA — Deputies of the Majilis, representing the Respublica and People’s Party of Kazakhstan, submitted a formal parliamentary inquiry to the Prosecutor General, Berik Asylov, calling for an urgent review of the state’s carceral system. The deputies are demanding a comprehensive legal assessment of fatalities recorded within pretrial detention centres and penal institutions, alongside a rigorous investigation into the adequacy of medical provision for detainees. Furthermore, the inquiry seeks a detailed analysis of the precipitous decline in early release rates, notably those sought on compassionate grounds for terminal illness. Of particular concern to the legislators is the legality of the use of restraints such as handcuffing during surgical procedures and childbirth. ^[118]

DEC. 25, 2025 — SEMEY — Police initiated a high-visibility campaign to tackle online fraud, focusing on community-led prevention and legal awareness. Through a series of strategic interventions in public hubs, officers are providing citizens with essential intelligence on the prevailing and evolving methods of cybercrime, ensuring the public is equipped to identify and report sophisticated digital scams. ^[119]

DEC. 25, 2025 — ASTANA — The Kazakh Senate, following a second reading of the proposed legislation, formally approved a bill to criminalise assaults on healthcare professionals. The landmark amendments to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan include the introduction of Article 380-3, which establishes specific criminal liability for acts of violence or threats directed at medical personnel and ambulance crews in the line of duty. ^[120]

DEC. 25, 2025 — KARAGANDA Region — Residents of Nura village submitted a formal petition to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, calling for a rigorous audit of the Nura District Akimat’s administrative conduct. The appeal highlights grave concerns regarding the allocation of social housing and the structural integrity of properties designated for low-income households. Complainants allege that the provided accommodation fails to meet basic statutory sanitary and safety requirements. ^[121]

DEC. 25, 2025 — Kazakhstani authorities significantly intensified their wide-ranging prosecution of citizens involved in the Ukrainian theatre of war. Official figures for 2025 indicate that 700 proceedings have been commenced against those allegedly having enlisted in Russian military formations. The charges, brought under Articles 172 and 190 of the Criminal Code, assert that the accused pursued a deliberate «criminal intent» to partake in foreign hostilities, contravening national legislation governing non-interference. ^[122]

DEC. 25, 2025 — KOSTANAY Region — The Auliekol District Court issued a procedural ruling in a case against human rights advocate Nikolai Ginyatov, following a complaint lodged by Madi Ikhtilyapov, Deputy Head of the Naurzum District. The proceedings, brought under Article 73-3, Part 2 of the Code of Administrative Offences, which pertains to the dissemination of defamatory information, have been stayed pending a court-mandated forensic psychological and philological examination of the evidence. ^[123] ^[124]

DEC. 25, 2025 — MANGYSTAU Region — The human rights defender Ulbolsyn Turdiyeva disclosed that fellow activist Aluash Ungarova initiated further legal proceedings against her. Consistent with procedural requirements, a judicial hearing is set to take place on 26 December 2025 in the village of Mangistau, within the jurisdiction of the Munaylinsky District. ^[125]

DEC. 26, 2025 — ASTANA — The independent journalist Lukpan Akhmedyarov alleged a coordinated campaign of cyber-interference targeting his editorial team. The sequence of events, beginning on 24 December, involved the wholesale removal of Mr. Akhmedyarov’s Instagram presence and subsequent attempted breaches of account belonging to journalist Raul Uporov followed by successful unauthorised access to the page of the team’s video editor Gapuov Ye. Mr. Akhmedyarov formally attributed this activity to state-sponsored actors characterising the interference as deliberate «criminal acts» to obstruct journalistic enterprise. ^[126]

DEC. 26, 2025 — ORAL — Maru Yeskendirova and Bekbolat Utebayev formally submitted a complaint at the Abay police station, calling for the immediate discharge of ten police personnel. The complaint centres on allegations of professional misconduct and the use of disproportionate force during the arrest of activists on 24 October approximately 45 kilometres outside the city. ^[127]

DEC. 27, 2025 — ASTANA — The Forecasting Centre of the Prosecutor General’s Office in Kazakhstan alerted the citizenry to a nascent cyber-criminal methodology known as ‘GhostPairing.’ The illicit scheme is engineered to hijack WhatsApp accounts. Law enforcement officials have categorised this as a primary threat vector and are urging heightened vigilance against such digital incursions. ^[128]

DEC. 27, 2025 — AKMOLA Region — Zhanar Khasenova, a resident of Karaotkel in the Tselinograd district, issued a public appeal to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, asserting possession of audio evidence that purportedly implicates the local administration in legal malfeasance. According to Ms. Khasenova, the recording captures a conversation with the Akim of Karaotkel that demonstrates clear procedural violations. The situation escalated on 26 December when Akim Baurzhan Abzalbekov, supported by law enforcement personnel, reportedly arrived at Ms. Khasenova’s residence. Following the encounter, Ms. Khasenova required urgent hospitalisation. ^[129]

DEC. 28, 2025 — ASTANA — Yermurat Bapi, a member of the Majilis, proposed new legislative constraints on the foreign travel of former high-ranking officials privy to state secrets. The motion specifically references former President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Mr Bapi contends that such measures are essential to to mitigate risks to national security and the integrity of classified information. ^[130]

DEC. 29, 2025 — TARAZ — The family of Vyacheslav Danelyan, who was killed in a road traffic collision in August 2025, issued a public appeal via TarazNews regarding the conduct of the subsequent criminal inquiry. Expressing grave concerns over the integrity of the pre-trial investigation under Article 345, Part3 of the Kazakh Criminal Code, the relatives voiced fears that the perpetrator may circumvent legal consequences through a failure of due process: “We are profoundly concerned that the individual responsible will be shielded from accountability.” ^[131].

DEC. 29, 2025 — ALMATY — Journalist Oleg Gusev was convicted under Article 147, Part 5 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan for violating the sanctity of private life. The court imposed a three-year suspended custodial sentence, coupled with a three-year prohibition on the exercise of any journalistic activities. ^[132]

DEC. 29, 2025 — ASTANA — The private residence of Amir Kasenov, Editor-in-Chief of KazTAG, was subject to a police search. Concerns regarding a significant breach of the fundamental right to legal representation have been raised following reports that legal counsel was denied entry to the premises during the operation. ^[133]

DEC. 29, 2025 — MANGYSTAU Region — The Munaylinsky District Prosecutor’s Office successfully enforced the recovery of outstanding wages for over a thousand healthcare workers following a targeted compliance audit. Investigators identified a failure to meet payroll obligations for October, constituting a violation of the constitutional protections afforded to 1,040 hospital personnel. Consequent to formal prosecutorial oversight, the district hospital has discharged its liabilities, distributing more than 273 million tenges in withheld earnings. ^[134]

DEC. 29, 2025 — ASTANA — Activist Bota Turlybaeva successfully challenged a police sanction issued under Article 456-2 of Kazakhstan’s Code of Administrative Offences. The dispute invoked following a formal grievance lodged by the Amanat party in relation to Facebook content. In a significant ruling, the court declared the police intervention legally unsubstantiated, leading to the immediate reversal of the fine. ^[135]

DEC. 29, 2025 — ASTANA — The legal advocacy group Media Qoldau released its annual performance report, detailing a robust period of engagement. The service provided 189 high-level consultations, with legal counsel meticulously addressing and delivering bespoke solutions for cases of significant complexity and ambiguity. Furthermore, the data reveals, 67.2% success rate in resolving 59 legal appeals at the pre-litigation stage. ^[136]

DEC. 29, 2025 — ASTANA — The Majilis formally endorsed Senate’s refinements, designed to streamline the delivery of public services. These revisions modify the legislation «On Amendments and Supplements to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan regarding Digitalisation, Transport, and Entrepreneurship,” previously secured the approval of the lower house. ^[137]

DEC. 29, 2025 — KOSTANAY Region — Proceedings initiated by the regional Deputy Akim against Nikolai Ginyatov concluded at the Auliekol District Court. Mr. Ginyatov was found liable under Article 73-3, Part 3 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The court subsequently imposed a fine totaling 786,400 tenges. ^[138] ^[139]

DEC. 30, 2025 — ASTANA — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev enacted a series of legislative amendments codified to prohibit the «propaganda of pedophilia and non-traditional sexual orientation.» Under the new statutory framework, which significantly curtails the rights of LGBTQI individuals, a comprehensive ban is imposed on the dissemination of «LGBT-related content» across media, literature, the arts, and public entertainment. Legal observers note that the broad scope of the amendments effectively criminalises public expression and retrenches fundamental civil liberties. ^[140]

DEC. 30, 2025 — ORAL — Animal rights activist Aziza Arystanova expressed her intention to assist the Akimat in implementing a more robust framework for the management of stray dog populations. Asserting that human accountability is central to the stray animals crisis, Ms. Arystanova advocated for a strategic overhaul of current practices. Significant budgetary resources have been directed toward providing free microchipping services in private-sector residential areas. ^[141]

DEC. 31, 2025 — ALMATY — As of year-end 2025, the human rights landscape within Kazakhstan remains a matter of significant concern. Local civil society monitors have identified 23 cases meeting the criteria for political prisoners, alongside the continued incarceration of 13 affiliates of the unregistered Atajurt political movement. The NeMolchi.kz foundation has been compelled to suspend its activities following the sequestration of its leadership’s financial assets. This crackdown extends to the digital and private spheres, with intensified prosecutions of adherents to minority Islamic traditions and individuals whose private discourse is deemed by state experts to fall within broad statutory definitions of “incitement to discord.” ^[142]

^[1] https://orda.kz/sotrudnikov-ordakz-zabrali-v-otdelenie-prjamo-s-rabochimi-stolami-409670/

^[2] https://kaztag.kz/ru/news/sud-pavlodara-oshtrafoval-aktivista-po-obvineniyu-v-lozhnoy-informatsii

^[3]https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4255283628079811&id=100007946477525&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=AsrWbgJULH2NQPes#

^[4] https://www.instagram.com/p/DRuq2NXDGzi/?igsh=MWtkanplNGxuMGtiMw%3D%3D

^[5] https://www.instagram.com/p/DRvxptwjPFj/?igsh=MWk3b2RnemVvaXhuYQ%3D%3D

^[6] https://www.facebook.com/reel/1375038757631678

^[7] https://orda.kz/kto-vedet-delo-neizvestno-siloviki-ne-puskajut-v-ofis-advokatov-ordakz-409668/

^[8]https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=25306421622324871&id=100001511434029&rdid=Bt5bUy6SJO7qZT0f#

^[9] https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0HSyEy2ZDK1ZhVf3NafoK5iDzFripMsws5vMEZEFNVz5VTZ33HPAx2w8Jn6qV5P7gl&id=61580368479816

^[10] https://tirek.info/adil-soz-vyrazhaet-seryoznuyu-obespokoennost-v-svyazi-s-situatsiej-vokrug-orda-kz/

^[11] https://bes.media/news/sayt-vlasti-nedostupen-iz-za-kiberataki-7f5ffd/

^[12]https://www.facebook.com/lmc.kz/posts/pfbid02mKcAb8dxNnrDcQwa1GtgCNRPuNMp6MHkNjBTnXXB13iqEpcjTJ7GBkMuM32Y9TR8l