Police Comment on Detention of Journalist Lukpan Akhmedyarov in Astana

Journalist Lukpan Akhmedyarov was detained today while filming a video in Astana, Orda.kz reports.

He managed to go live on Instagram briefly; he linked the detention to his professional activities. Previously, he had covered the topic of Kazakhstan citizens’ involvement in the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

According to the police department, a pre-trial investigation is currently underway:

A pre-trial investigation has been registered by the Astana Police Department based on a complaint from an Oral resident regarding the deliberate dissemination of false information under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. As part of the criminal case, citizen A. was brought in for investigative actions,
 the official statement reads.

No further details have been released at this time.

Vlast.kz later reported on the journalist's release and that he would be questioned further the next day.

Original Author: Rustam Muratov