Aktobe regional akimat stood up for a journalist

The Willsky district akimat (mayor’s office) of Aktobe region and the chief doctor of the regional central hospital threatened journalist Azamat Abilkairov with a lawsuit in response to his Facebook post.

In his post, the journalist mentioned the complaints of a resuscitator regarding the chief doctor's denial to provide legal annual leave. The post gained attention on social media. However, the officials and doctor and to abandon the idea of filing a lawsuit after the press secretary of the Aktobe region akim (mayor) intervened in the situation. The district akimat conducted an investigation, discussed the matter with the hospital team, and confirmed that the doctor's leave application had been signed. Azamat was assured that no lawsuit would follow.

Adil soz welcomes the decision of the Aktobe region akimat and hopes that it will serve as an example for resolving socially significant situations in other areas. Independent media aims to highlight vital issues for the betterment of society. Investigations and articles in media should, like in this case, trigger additional checks and, if the facts are confirmed, lead to taking appropriate systemic decisions, rather than cause persecution of journalists.