Azattyq Journalist Faces New Wave of Online Attacks

The first such attack was launched earlier this month, Orda.kz reports.

Azattyq’s Almaty bureau chief, Kasym Amanzhol, reported a new wave of online attacks on social media. On October 20, unknown individuals created a fake Threads account in his name and began sending insulting messages using his photo.

I didn’t even know how this platform worked. I had to change all my passwords, file complaints with Meta, and spend hours trying to regain access,  the journalist said.

He noted that this was the second provocation in the past two weeks. The first attack took place in early October, when a video circulated on TikTok, Instagram, and the website shyndyq.kz claimed that Amanzhol lived in a $950,000 house while his colleagues earned “pennies.”

Today, another attack targeted Orda.kz editor-in-chief Gulnara Bazhkenova.

A photo allegedly showing her wearing luxury brands appeared on Threads. The author of the post accused her of leading a “luxurious life” and questioned her right to speak for ordinary people. However, the photos were later confirmed to be AI-generated.

Bazhkenova responded with irony, saying she does not wear clothing with flashy logos and that the published image had nothing to do with her.

It’s really funny how ineptly and shoddily a government information order can be fulfilled. (…) It’s not my style, not my taste, not my values. In short, it’s not my thing.

Orda.kz has previously reported multiple cases of coordinated harassment against its editorial staff and personally against Gulnara Bazhkenova.

Fake accounts, social media attacks, leaks of personal data, and threats have all become part of the ongoing pressure campaign.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov