Human Rights Watch Issues Statement Regarding Radio Azattyq 

The international human rights organization Human Rights Watch has issued a statement, Orda.kz reports.

It concerns the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs stripping 16 Radio Azattyq journalists of their accreditation.

Calling the move “a flagrant attack on independent media,” HRW warned it deals a serious blow to press freedom in Kazakhstan and violates the country’s international obligations. The decision, they argue, effectively blocks Azattyq journalists from doing their jobs.

Denying journalists the ability to work freely is a deeply troubling step in the effort to silence independent voices in Kazakhstan. It is a warning shot to all independent media operating in Kazakhstan, said Hugh Williamson, HRW’s director for Europe and Central Asia.

The organization emphasized that Radio Azattyq is a critical source of reporting on corruption, political repression, social injustice, and gender-based violence. According to HRW, Azattyq’s team filed timely requests to renew their accreditation — two months before expiration — yet received no clear explanation for the rejection.

Kazakhstan must immediately reverse this decision and restore accreditation to all Radio Azattyq journalists. The country’s international partners must address this issue directly with the Kazakh government and demand respect for press freedom, HRW stated. 

Meanwhile, Radio Azattyq is preparing to take the matter to court, challenging the Foreign Ministry’s decision in a legal suit.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny