"Adil Soz" Calls for Transparency After Searches at Orda.kz

Human rights organizations are urging authorities to ensure openness and respect for the rights of journalists following the news concerning searches involving the Orda.kz newsroom, Orda.kz reports.

The International Foundation for the Protection of Freedom of Speech Adil Soz issued a public statement expressing deep concern over the investigative actions carried out on December 1, noting the absence of clear legal grounds and restricted access for defense lawyers.

Earlier that morning, law enforcement entered the Orda office in Almaty to conduct searches, reportedly without allowing lawyers to view the warrant. According to attorney Olga Didenko, officers seized equipment and documents, and conducted personal searches, including of editor-in-chief Gulnara Bazhkenova.

Legal representatives were not permitted to enter.

At the same time, Orda’s Astana editor-in-chief Dmitry Kim was taken for questioning after searches at his residence. Many details of the case remain unknown.

Law enforcement agencies are not commenting on what is happening, which contradicts the principles of openness and procedural legality,
  stated Adil Soz.

The foundation called on authorities to guarantee transparency in the investigation and to avoid actions that could be interpreted as pressure on the media.

In addition, a safe containing staff salaries was forced open at the Almaty office, and the personal belongings of Gulnara Bazhkenova were searched, with everything except her shoes taken.

The newsroom is currently left without equipment.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov