Международный фонд защиты свободы слова
The International Foundation for Freedom of Speech Protection
News
The International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech "Adil Soz" expresses concern regarding the pre-trial investigation initiated against journalist Sandugash Duyssenova under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Dissemination of knowingly false information"), based on a complaint filed by the director of Tavidi LLP.
According to the Astana City Police Department, a pre-trial investigation was launched under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan – "Dissemination of knowingly false information" – based on complaints filed by alleged victims. As part of the investigation, Lukpan Akhmedyarov, author of the YouTube channel "Prosto Zhurnalistika", was detained on 10 April 2025. He is currently considered a witness with the right to defence in the case. According to the journalist, the investigation was prompted by a social media post regarding potential risks of forced recruitment of Kazakhstani citizens to participate in foreign armed conflicts. The post was based on information received from a relative of one of the alleged victims.
On March 12–13, 2025, several journalists faced a new method of orchestrated phone attacks that disrupted their ability to carry out their professional duties. Their phone numbers were published in fraudulent advertisements on the OLX.kz . The perpetrators posted fake listings for kittens, puppies, or electronic devices at unusually low prices, leading to a flood of calls to the journalists' phones.
The International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech Adil Soz expresses serious concern over the attack on Ulysmedia.kz journalist Aisha Kutubaeva, which took place on 30 January 2025 inside the Interdistrict Criminal Court of Astana.
The Astana City Court has dismissed the appeal of nine journalists challenging the provisions of the order by the Ministry of Culture and Information (MCI) that approved the "Model Rules for Accreditation of Journalists". The journalists argue that this regulatory act violates their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and dissemination of information.
