We draw attention to alarming developments in Kazakhstan’s media environment that are seriously undermining freedom of speech and fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship.
Of particular concern is the detention of KazTAG Editor-in-Chief Aset Mataev, who, according to his lawyer, was subjected to a group assault. At the same time, the police have described the incident as a domestic dispute and have failed to provide clear information. Given the recent criminal cases initiated against media executives, there is strong reason to believe this may be a provocation and an attempt to exert pressure on the press.
On the day of the referendum, journalists Zholdas Orisbay of Radio Azattyq, Aigerim Eskendir of Informburo, and Saniya Toyken were detained at the main entrance of a polling station where the President was expected to vote and were taken to a police station. They were released three hours later without charges and without a clear explanation for their detention. During this time, their phones were confiscated, preventing them from contacting their editorial offices or legal counsel.
There have also been documented cases of other journalists being obstructed from accessing polling stations, denied entry to vote counts, removed from polling premises, and otherwise hindered in carrying out their professional duties.
In the lead-up to the referendum, journalists, activists, and bloggers faced an unprecedented wave of account blocks and content removals on social media. Notably, all of the affected posts were related to criticism of the Constitution, which may indicate possible involvement by the authorities.
The editorial teams of Uralskaya Nedelya and Nasha Gazeta, as well as Azattyq journalist Makpal Mukankyzy, were fined for conducting surveys ahead of the referendum, which the prosecutor’s office classified as public opinion polls.
It is clear that street interviews and questions posed to audiences on social media cannot be considered public opinion polls; therefore, this can be seen as an attempt by the authorities to suppress public discussion.
At present, Orda.kz Editor-in-Chief Gulnar Bazhkenova and KazTAG Editor-in-Chief Amir Kasenov remain under house arrest, accused of disseminating knowingly false information. The lack of up-to-date information regarding their cases is fueling fear, speculation, and the spread of disinformation.
Against this backdrop, recent amendments to media legislation—particularly those concerning the ban on so-called LGBT “propaganda”—as well as initiatives by the Ministry of Culture and Information to impose sweeping regulation over the online space, are especially troubling.
We view these developments as a deeply concerning signal, particularly in light of repeated statements by Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasizing the importance of safeguarding citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information, as well as the democratization of legislation following the adoption of the new Constitution.
We consider these actions unacceptable in a democratic society, as Kazakhstan declares itself to be, and call for a thorough investigation into these events and an immediate end to the persecution of journalists.