Statement by the International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech "Adil Soz" on the Increasing Attacks Against Journalists

21 february 2025

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.

Kutubaeva was covering the trial of former Head of the Department of Culture, Bolat Mazhagulov, who is accused of embezzling over one billion tenge. During a break, she was filming trial participants in the court corridor while fully complying with the requirements of the law “On Mass Media” and other legal acts of Kazakhstan. However, a woman who identified herself as the defendant’s wife used physical force against the journalist, twisting her arm and snatching her phone to obstruct her lawful professional activities.

The attack occurred inside a courthouse—a place where journalists' rights should be particularly protected.

The journalist called the police and filed a complaint under Article 158 of the Penal Code of Kazakhstan (Interfering with Legal Professional Activity of Journalist), which carries penalties ranging from fines to up to two years of imprisonment. The foundation will continue monitoring the situation and is ready to provide legal assistance to the affected journalist.

This incident is not an isolated case of attacks on journalists in Kazakhstan:

On 21 September in Petropavlovsk, Qazmedia.kz journalist Svetlana Drozdetskaya was attacked by an intoxicated man while accompanying police on a patrol. The court found him guilty of petty hooliganism and sentenced him to five days of administrative arrest.
On 20 November in a courtroom in West Kazakhstan Region, Umarovnews.kz editor Talgat Umarov was assaulted by the father of a convicted individual. The case was initially opened under Article 109 of the Penal Code (Battery) but was later closed after an apology was issued.

Adil Soz calls for an objective investigation into this attack and urges the authorities to implement systemic measures to protect journalists while they carry out their professional duties.

Given that in the 15 years since Article 158 (Interfering with Legal Professional Activity of Journalist) was introduced into the Penal Code, only two cases have reached the courts, Adil Soz strongly recommends introducing additional liability under the Administrative Offences Code of Kazakhstan. This would enable a swift and effective response to such incidents and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable in proportion to the severity of their offences.