Statistic of violations of rights to freedom of expression in Kazakhstan January, 2015

Statistic

of violations of rights to freedom of expression in Kazakhstan

January, 2015

Convicted and imprisoned journalists (passing data) — 1

Musagali Duambekov (public defender, Astana)

On May 13, 2014 District Court № 2 (Almatinsk District, Astana) has found him guilty under article 129 “Slander” of Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan and sentenced him to one year of restriction of liberty.

On July 13, 2014 Board of Appeals of Court (Astana) has upheld sentence.

Attacks on editorial offices and media workers — 0

Threats to citizens, journalists and media outlets- 0

Groundless detentions of media workers —5

Ayan Sharipbaev (LLP «ADAMDAR», Almaty), Guljan Ergalieva, Miras Nurmukhambetov («ADAM bol», Almaty), Dilaram Arkin (journalist, Almaty), Rozlana Taukina (human rights defender, Almaty).

Suspension and termination of media publication — 1 (passing data):

«ADAM bol» (Almaty. 20.11.2014. – court ruling on suspension of media publication, prior to passing of judgment at the suit of Department of Internal Policy (Almaty) on closure of magazine; 24.12.2014 г. – court ruling on closure of magazine. At the present time, hearing is in appeal ).

Unjustified blocking and restriction of access to websites — 4

The website of newspaper«Aktubinskiy Vestnik»www.avestnik.kz (Aktobe), Facebook.com, serviceInstagram, Messanger.

Journalists are prevented from carrying out their professional activity — 1

Criminal prosecution — 4 (incl.: 1 – passing data):

Including:

- Charges with slander — 2 (incl.: 1 – passing data):

Musagali Duambekov (website Insiderman, Astana. Hearing is in appeal); Ersen Iskakov (resident of Akmola oblast).

Judgment of conviction – 1:

Musagali Duambekov (website Insiderman, Astana); Saya Issa (“Obtscestvennaya Positsiya”, Almaty).

- Charges with dissemination of misleading information – 1

Baishemirov (resident of Zhambyl oblast).

- Charhges with incitement of national, social and religious enmity — 1:

Tatiyana Shevtsova-Valova (Almaty).

Civil charges have been against media outlets and journalists — 17;

Including:

Civil claims and suits about protection of honor and dignity – 15 (7 of them are passing data)

Damages sought in the lawsuit are: – 339 millions tenge (including: passing data – 288 millions tenge)

The plaintiffs are: state officials –6 legal entities -2,citizens – 7.

10 judgments were awarded; 5 of them were awarded in favour of media outlets and citizens.

Refusals and restrictions in providing of public and important information — 13.