Trial of Temirlan Yensebek Continues, Detentions Occurred

The trial of Temirlan Yensebek, author of the satirical Qaznews24 public page, continues at the Nauryzbay District Court in Almaty. Yensebek is facing charges of inciting ethnic discord. This time, Orda.kz journalists were allowed inside the courtroom.

While the session was officially declared open to the media and outside observers, access remained restricted the day before. Journalists, human rights defenders, activists, and witnesses were kept in the lobby, as police, court representatives, and local officials blocked access at the turnstiles. 

The reason given was a lack of available seating. In response, people shouted:

'Ashyq sot!' — 'Open court! Temirlanga bostandyq!' — 'Free Temirlan!'

Today, press members were allowed in, although streaming remains prohibited. As for observers who were previously promised a dedicated livestream, their access remains uncertain.

Activists who remained in the corridor voiced their frustration, leading to disruptions during the hearing. Chants could be heard from outside. Some were detained, including Temirlan’s girlfriend, Maria Kocheva.

At today’s session, the defendant's questioning continued.

The day before, Temirlan was again connected to the proceedings via video from the pre-trial detention center. 

His lawyer, Zhanara Balgabaeva, said she was given only ten minutes to speak with her client before the hearing. She also noted the pace of the proceedings, pointing out that the pre-trial investigation took only 15 days, suggesting that the court is rushing to reach a verdict.

Shortly after the detentions, the April 10 court session in the case of Temirlan Yensebek ended.

The author of the satirical Qaznews24 public page once again requested a change in his pretrial measure — to be released under house arrest.

Judge Kaysina denied the motion.

The next hearing in Yensebek’s case is scheduled for tomorrow at 10:00 AM.

As for the detained observers and supporters of Temirlan, Orda.kz journalists are working to confirm where they were taken.

Orda.kz continues to follow the developments in the case.

Original Author: Alina Pak