Deputy Interior Minister Declines to Call Orda.kz Searches Illegal

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Lepekha did not describe the actions of security forces who conducted searches and detentions at the Orda.kz office as illegal.

An Orda journalist asked Lepekha in the Majilis whether he considered investigative actions carried out without allowing access to lawyers and without presenting a ruling to be lawful.

A criminal case has been opened for disseminating false information. Investigative actions are underway. All questions should be directed to the investigators and the supervisory authority. If you believe there have been violations, please contact the prosecutor's office,
 the deputy minister said.

On Monday, Orda’s offices in Almaty and Astana were searched, and employees were detained. Armed law enforcement entered the Almaty office. They confiscated journalists’ personal phones, conducted harsh searches, ransacked the premises, and took equipment and cash from a safe containing employee salaries.

Employees in Almaty and Astana were detained and questioned.

The founder and editor-in-chief of Orda, Gulnara Bazhkenova, was placed under house arrest for two months with court approval.

The actions of security forces toward the publication were condemned by both Kazakh and international human rights groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya