“A professional ban is a form of pressure on journalists”

Depriving a journalist of the right to work in their profession violates Kazakhstan’s international obligations, said Nazira Darimbet, President of the International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz,” in a comment to the Zhas Alash newspaper.

In recent months, Kazakhstan has seen a growing practice of courts imposing a “professional ban” on journalists as an additional penalty. In the past few months alone, such restrictions have been imposed by court decisions on KazTAG agency owner Asset Matayev, the outlet’s editor-in-chief Amir Kassenov, and journalist Alexandra Alyokhova.

“Banning a journalist from working in their profession contradicts the principles of freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution of Kazakhstan and the country’s international obligations, and also violates the right to work. This is not merely a punishment imposed on an individual; it is a professional ban. It restricts a person’s right to engage in a lawful profession and earn a living. Court decisions imposing such restrictions can be regarded as a form of pressure on freedom of expression and on journalists,” Nazira Darimbet said.