EN: Yesterday, March 20, journalist Botagoz Omarova was placed under house arrest for two months. The reason was an article on her Telegram channel Aitpa Botagoz! about the construction of a presidential stable facility and the contractor’s outstanding wage debts to workers. She has been charged under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan, “Dissemination of knowingly false information.” Initially, she was classified as a witness with the right to legal counsel, but by the evening she had been reclassified as a suspect.

From 5 p.m., Botagoz was kept at the police station together with her lawyer, Assel Tokayeva, and only after midnight did the investigative court order her house arrest. A search of Omarova’s home was carried out immediately afterward. Journalists in Astana and staff from the Legal Media Center remained by her side throughout, expressing their support for their colleague.

We consider the actions of the police and the court to be excessive. Botagoz Omarova is a respected journalist in Kazakhstan, known for her principled stance and high level of professionalism. She has not committed any serious offenses; she was simply doing her job well. What is happening is an alarming signal for the entire media community in the country and a reason to reflect on the fact that freedom of speech is under serious threat.