Kazakhstan Limits Free Speech to Protect People?

Deputy Murat Abenov said that free speech must not be used to justify humiliating people, speaking at a meeting of the Constitutional Commission, Orda.kz reports.

He was especially harsh on what he called «cancel culture»

«Today, we hear more and more about this so-called phenomenon of ‘cancel culture.’ We see how public debate in different countries is increasingly turning into a witch hunt. People are not persuaded through argument, but labeled and 'cancelled'. This is not progress; it’s a dead end. Such practices lead to radicalization, social fatigue, and division. That is why it is fundamentally important for us that, in Kazakhstan, freedom of expression does not turn into a right to humiliate and harass,»,he said.

The draft of the new Constitution includes the wording: «A person’s honor and dignity are inviolable and protected by law.» According to the deputy, this is not about banning criticism and not about restricting the media.

«These are norms that protect individuals' rights — when we protect not only the interests of the state, but the interests of individuals, the citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan. You can criticize decisions and argue with positions, but you cannot ‘cancel’ a person or undermine their dignity»Abenov added. 

He said that Kazakhstan’s path is one of mature discussion and responsibility.

The Constitutional Commission has released the first draft of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution, and public discussions are continuing. The draft includes a preamble, 11 sections and 95 articles.

Original Author: Ilya Astakhov