Kazakhstan's Journalists Given Dress Code for Covering Peaceful Demonstrations

Starting April 15, 2025, journalists in Kazakhstan will be required to follow a specific dress code when reporting from peaceful demonstrations, according to new rules approved by the Ministry of Culture and Information, Orda.kz reports.

The Ministry says the move is aimed at improving safety for media workers.

Under the new guidelines, journalists must wear bright blue vests labeled "PRESS," along with yellow armbands or visible press stickers to ensure they are easily identifiable in a crowd.

The vests will have reflective strips for better visibility, and the armbands will be a vivid yellow. These measures are designed to keep journalists safe, even in the most crowded or chaotic situations, the Ministry stated. 

The rules also prohibit media representatives from obstructing traffic, blocking the movement of bystanders, or interfering with organizers and government officials during events.

Local authorities must organize operational press centers with electricity, visibility for filming, and guaranteed security to facilitate journalists' work.

Journalists will be able to work both within these press centers and outside of them. If there’s any threat to their life or health, the police must intervene immediately, the document notes.  

Human Rights Watch has previously released a report indicating that Kazakhstan has increased pressure on the media and civil society. The group says the country’s recently adopted media law restricts freedom of speech and creates new hurdles for independent journalism.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov