How the US Views Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Reform and Free Speech
Photo: Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan
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
Latest news
- Orda.kz Editorial Team to Cease Operations on September 1
- The Price of a Degree: How Students in Kazakhstan Pay for University
- Second Przewalski’s Horse Foal Born as Species Returns to Kazakhstan
- Kazakh Mining Companies Can Recalculate Purchases if Tenge Weakens
- Kazakhstan Names First Vice President in Three Decades
- What Almaty’s Bus Shelters Are Missing
- 400-Truck Queue Builds at Kazakh–Kyrgyz Border
- Kazakhstan Ready to Help Feed and Rebuild Gaza
- Tokayev Establishes New Presidential Security Body
- Almaty Takes Back Its Nearly Century-Old Hippodrome
- No More Guesswork on Savings: Kazakhstan Tightens Energy Audits for Businesses
- Public Money Could Be Used to Rescue Failing Kazakh Banks
- Third Kazakh Woman Reported Missing in Nepal-China Flood Zone
- Falconer Convicted Over 35 Protected Birds, Spared Punishment Under Amnesty
- Kazakh Citizen Detained in Yakutia in Phone Fraud Case
- Yuan Instead of Dollars? KazMunayGas Draws Record Demand in Asia
- China Gains Oil-Market Influence as OPEC+ Weakens
- Kazakhstan to Divide Smartphones Into White, Gray and Black Lists
- Kazakhstan’s Government Formally Resigns as First Kurultai Session Opens
- Rare Lynx Sighting Recorded in Northern Kazakhstan
