Asem Zhapisheva Released After 15-Day Detention

The activist was released from the temporary detention facility after a fifteen-day arrest, reports Orda.kz, citing an Instagram post.

Asem Zhapisheva conveys words of gratitude to everyone who supported her with parcels and letters for 15 days. Satire is not a crime! the post says.

The journalist received an administrative punishment for a solo picket supporting Temirlan Yensebek.

With a placard "Satire is not a crime," she went to the Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater on the morning of January 20.

Less than five minutes later, the police detained her.

Asem Zhapisheva addressed the country's president, stating that persecution for jokes is "an attempt to suppress criticism."

She was charged under part seven of Article 488 of the Administrative Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan — "Violation of legislation on the procedure for organizing and conducting peaceful assemblies."

The situation with freedom of speech in Kazakhstan is very difficult right now, the situation is very difficult for journalists and political prisoners. I would like this case to become at least a small step towards civil society uniting and real political reforms finally coming to Kazakhstan,  Asem stated after leaving the temporary detention facility.

On Monday, February 3, journalist Ruslan Biketov, who was also arrested for 15 days for picketing, was released. 

Temirlan Yensebek was detained on January 17 in Almaty, law enforcement had conducted a search of his apartment.

He is in custody and charged under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan — inciting social, national, tribal, racial, class, or religious discord.

Original Author: Raushan Korzhumbekova