Activist Danebayev Gives First Interview after Release

Activist Timur Danebayev, recognized by human rights defenders as a political prisoner, has given his first interview after being released.

Speaking with Azattyq Asia, he described his trial, prison conditions, and instances of torture, Orda.kz reports.

Background

Danebayev was sentenced in 2023 to three years in prison for “inciting ethnic discord” after making statements about Russia’s war in Ukraine. 

He first drew public attention in 2022 when he questioned President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev’s claim that “20,000 terrorists” were involved in the January unrest. Danebayev even filed a police report accusing the president of spreading false information.

I wanted to show that there are no khans or lords at the top. There are hired managers. If the president is ineffective, he can be replaced. We are taxpayers and we support all these people. The consequences were not a surprise to me — I was prepared. I just wanted the people to wake up and for others to start speaking out. I wanted impeachment. I understand that it is impossible to convict him — he has immunity, but at least they could have replaced him through elections,
Danebayev explained.

He was detained in December 2022 after criticizing Russia’s full-scale invasion.

In June 2023, a court in Astana found him guilty. In the interview, he said the case’s real purpose was to silence him.

Danebayev said he spent almost his entire term in a pre-trial detention center rather than a camp, largely because he refused to follow prison rules. About half of that time was in solitary confinement under harsh conditions.

His family also faced pressure, and his brother was forced to leave the country.

If I had spent my term in the ‘camp,’ I would have been able to move around the local area, see the sun. But in the pre-trial detention center, there is essentially a special regime. And I spent half of my term in solitary confinement. It was a cold punishment cell, my companions were frogs. Because of the cold, I had a regular cough, I was afraid of getting tuberculosis. In prison, we had to get everything at our own expense: food, uniform, medicine. It was easier for me because caring people from all over Kazakhstan helped me, many thanks to them!

Torture in Atbasar Colony

A key episode in his case was the widely circulated video from Atbasar colony showing Danebayev being held down by four men in uniform while one struck him.

He described the incident in detail: prisoners were lined up, forced to stand with their hands raised, stripped, and beaten.

My whole body was beaten like mincemeat. I had an operation, they inserted a tube, some liquid was leaking out. Two weeks later I was transferred to the Kokshetau pre-trial detention center. Then I was returned to the Astana pre-trial detention center as a victim. Forty-one people were recognized as victims. One person died. But his death, naturally, was not linked to torture.

The Interior Ministry initially justified the force, calling the prisoners “instigators.” Later, officials launched an investigation. Colony staff were fired, though they denied wrongdoing. Twelve former employees stood trial in July 2024 but were acquitted in February 2025, sparking backlash.

The prosecutor’s office appealed, and the case is still under review.

After Release

Danebayev says he is determined to seek accountability.

I am glad that everyone saw this, and in other places, the staff became afraid to use mass torture. Yes, they beat everywhere, but now they are afraid to use mass torture. I am glad to be free — to see the blue sky, the grass, and I am grateful to everyone who supported me.

Human rights defender Bakhytzhan Toregozhina said his case highlights the broader rights situation in Kazakhstan. She also raised concerns for his safety, noting that acquitted prison employees have threatened him.

Original Author: Maria Kravtsova