Kazakh Student Arrested in Russia on Suspicion of Promoting Terrorism

A 23-year-old Kazakh national, Garri Azaryan, a student at St. Petersburg State University, has been detained in St. Petersburg on suspicion of promoting terrorism and calling for the overthrow of the state, Orda.kz reports.

According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, Azaryan is suspected of making “public calls for terrorist activity and violent overthrow of the state” during meetings of the Workers’ Power movement held in January and February 2025. His detention has been widely reported by local Telegram channels in St. Petersburg.

Authorities allege that “propaganda materials” were found during a search of his residence.

The investigation claims that the case was opened based on slogans and speeches promoting revolution, class hatred, and “street power.”

The "Rabochaya Vlast" movement, which is affiliated with the left wing, has condemned the case as fabricated, insisting the gathering was a peaceful anti-war protest.

In a statement published by the QazLeft group, activists demanded Azaryan’s immediate release and called for an investigation into the reported assault of another member. They are also urging international human rights organizations to intervene on Azaryan’s behalf.

This arrest follows a separate incident earlier this year, in which another Kazakh citizen was detained in Moscow for allegedly filming a military enlistment office. He is under investigation for suspected sabotage.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov