Court Hears Case of Azattyq Against Foreign Ministry

On August 18, hearings were held in Astana in the case brought by Radio Azattyq (RFE/RL Kazakhstan) against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which had denied accreditation to several of the outlet’s journalists, Orda.kz reports.

Lawyer Liliya Chausova, representing Azattyq, argued that the MFA itself delayed consideration of accreditation renewal requests and then unjustifiably rejected them, while journalists continued working during the waiting period.

She stressed that the responsibility for the delay lies with the ministry, not the newsroom.

MFA representative Asel Mamasheva, meanwhile, maintained that the journalists had violated the law by working without valid accreditation, which formed the basis for the refusal.

The court’s decision is expected on August 19. The Legal Media Center Foundation is representing Azattyq in the proceedings.

In July, the outlet filed suit against the MFA after accreditation was denied to seven staff members. The ministry rejected an offer of reconciliation.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina