He Must Give a Concrete Answer: MPs on Minister's Explanation Concerning Internet Issues

Deputies believe that the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, Zhaslan Madiyev, should give a clear answer as to why there were issues with the Internet on Independence Day in Kazakhstan, Orda.kz reports.

Only Recently Removed Authoritariani Overcoat

Yermurat Bapi noted that the issues could have been a precaution by law enforcement.

In December, we have several dates that coincide: Zhanaozen, Jeltoqsan, Independence Day. Therefore, certain state law enforcement agencies could have been playing it safe. Also, just before these dates, incitements regarding Talgar appeared on Internet resources, there were videos from Qantar, supposedly in some cities they were going out to squares somewhere. Such moments probably alerted state agencies, which is why such a slowdown arose, said Bapi.

He believes that Kazakhstanis must know the actual reasons, especially if this occurred at the initiative of government agencies.

The truth must be told. But we only just emerged from the overcoat of authoritarianism. I don't think we can do everything all at once. That's why some of the side effects of that regime are probably still with us, he added.

Although Zhaslan Madiyev did not confirm this, the deputy believes that bot farms have become especially active in the last year.

He attributes this to "Old Kazakhstan."

Those who are removed from power, from, let's say, such wealth, opportunities, they, of course, are trying to restore the status quo. Young energetic people probably want to somehow return or hinder the activities of 'New Kazakhstan,'Bapi thinks.

The deputy did not say whether the authorities of “New Kazakhstan” use bot farms.

Madiyev Will Be Asked 

Another Majilis deputy, Yerlan Sairov, believes that the Ministry of Digital Development should respond concretely.

If there was some kind of slowdown (on the part of government agencies - Ed.), then, of course, in my opinion, this violates the rights of citizens. Then, we need to talk to them in a slightly different way. He must operate with facts. If there were facts of slowdown, then this can only be on the part of the Ministry of Digital Development. This is a question for him. Of course, we will ask him this question,the deputy pledged.

Sairov also commented on the situation with bot farms:

I believe that there were certain para-political circles who wanted to take advantage of the tragic situation in Talgar and somewhat destabilize the situation in our country. These could be external agents or internal economic agents. Therefore, frankly speaking, we are living in a very unstable time. We need to be extremely careful,
said Sairov.

Problems with the internet and communications are frequent in Kazakhstan during national holidays when protests are expected. But Zhaslan Madiyev believes there is no connection between the two factors. 

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova