How the US Views Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Reform and Free Speech

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie M. Stufft commented on constitutional reform and freedom of speech in Kazakhstan, Orda.kz reports.

She described the reform package as «ambitious» and said that it had been implemented very quickly. The embassy is currently collecting feedback.

«Yes, indeed, a very ambitious package of reforms was announced within a very short timeframe, meaning very rapid reforms. So yes, we are continuing to collect feedback from all participants in the process,»she said

Ms Stufft also revealed that she had met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on 13 February specifically to discuss the issue.

«He had some time free this morning, so we also discussed the reform programme with him. We continue to monitor the situation, and of course everyone understands that the constitution’s main purpose is to protect citizens’ rights — this is reflected in the relevant changes,» she said 

During the press conference, she was asked how the U.S. presidential administration views the persecution of independent journalists in Kazakhstan. Orda.kz, for instance has dealt with similar pressure before. 

«Freedom of speech is one of the core values of the United States, and yes, we constantly see examples of it in the U.S. news. Regarding this situation, yes, we are monitoring it. As it is an ongoing investigation, I cannot comment directly on it, but my team briefs me daily on the latest developments, so yes, we are following this situation,»the ambassador added. 

Original author: Ilya Astakhov