Blogger Summoned by Police Over Post Urging Boycott of Timati Concert

Blogger Aida Zheksenova was summoned to the capital’s anti-extremism department after she published a post calling for a boycott of Russian rapper Timati’s upcoming concert, Orda.kz reports.

Zheksenova wrote that investigators considered her phrase “don’t sponsor war” as possible grounds for opening a case under Kazakhstan’s extremism legislation. She shared the details of the summons on her Facebook page.

The inquiry began after concert producer Alexey Puchkov filed a complaint over Zheksenova’s September post, in which she urged people not to attend Timati’s concert:

Puchkov claimed the statement violated Article 174 of the Criminal Code, which covers incitement of social, national, tribal, racial, class, or religious discord.

According to Zheksenova, police hinted that she should delete the post — specifically the line referencing the war. Officers also cited similar cases involving Ekaterina Bivol and Alika Mukhamadieva.

Zheksenova, who insists the post contained no hate speech, threats, or references to nationality or religion, said she plans to file a counterclaim for false accusation if the investigation continues.

My text was about the concert. About the artist. About the Z-agenda,
she wrote, adding that she will not delete the post and views the matter as one of principle.

She also appealed to Information Minister Aida Balayeva to intervene, warning that if a political boycott can be treated as extremism, journalists and activists could face similar pressure.

Earlier, a petition calling for the cancellation of Timati’s concerts in Almaty and Astana appeared on the national e-petition platform, noting the artist’s public support for Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Producer Alexey Puchkov, who is also organizing The Weeknd’s concert in Almaty, previously said he might relocate the show due to public backlash over tours by Russian performers.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov