Adil Soz commends the decision to amend the charges against Daniyar Adilbekov and supports everyone advocating for a just review of this case. Given the critical social role of journalists and the media, ensuring transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with legal standards is paramount.
The initial charges under Article 419 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Knowingly False Denunciation) were not aligned with Part 4 of Article 181 of the same code and attracted justified criticism. We believe that any allegations of the deliberate dissemination of false information require an objective investigation and clear evidence of intent. Ensuring an unbiased investigation with sufficient evidence is essential for upholding the rights of journalists to a fair trial and defense, and for bolstering public confidence in the legal system.
Accusations should aim to uphold the rule of law and should never be used to curtail freedom of speech. The Foundation strongly opposes the spread of falsehoods and unverified information and underscores the importance of objectivity in protecting the interests of society and the principle of free speech.
