Kazakhstan’s Legal Media Center Issued May 2 Statement Ahead of World Press Freedom Day

The public foundation “Legal Media Center” made a statement on May 2, on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, Orda.kz reports.

On May 3, the world celebrates Press Freedom Day. The Legal Media Center expressed support for Kazakhstani journalists, bloggers, human rights defenders, and activists who, despite pressure, continue to defend society's right to information and freedom of expression.

Unfortunately, we continue to record cases of pressure on media representatives, restrictions on access to information, and the use of legal instruments to restrict freedom of speech. This year, many Kazakhstani journalists have been subjected to pressure and repression,
said the foundation’s director of legal affairs, Gulmira Birzhanova, at a meeting with media representatives.

She listed journalists and bloggers who had administrative and criminal cases brought against them and were also denied access to information:

Daniyar Adilbekov, you know, has a prison term under the articles 'Spreading knowingly false information,' 'False denunciation.' Another case is Lukpan Akhmedyarov, who is in the status of a witness with the right to defense. Sandugash Duisenova, who is now being held accountable for spreading false information. Temirlan Yensebek, article 174, inciting discord. The sentence was suspended, but nevertheless guilty. Duman Mukhamedkarim is also serving a sentence.

Journalists Ruslan Biketov and Asem Zhapisheva, who spoke out to support Temirlan Yensebek, were also arrested. Another journalist, Zhaniya Urankayeva, was denied access to the government building in Astana.

According to Gulmira Birzhanova, through its behavior, the state is transmitting to Kazakhstanis a dangerous example:

The state set an example for individuals when it held Dzhamilya Maricheva, Askhat Niyazov, Ainur Koskina, liable. Then people see that 'it turns out they can be held liable, and why are we any worse?' Now there has been a surge in civil cases from individuals against journalists, weekly. Every editorial office is contacting them that they are receiving lawsuits from legal entities and individuals.

Addressing the authorities, the lawyer emphasized that freedom of speech is not a threat, but the support of a strong society.

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova