Shutdown of yet another independent magazine in Kazakhstan a further sign of deteriorating media freedom, OSCE Representative says

On 22 October, the district court in Almaty, upon the request of the Prosecutor’s Office, ruled to annul ADAM magazine’s registration certificate following a minor administrative offence.  Reportedly, the court also ruled to close down the Facebook page of the magazine. The Representative raised the issue with the Kazakh authorities in September this year (www.osce.org/fom/185401). 

“The punitive practice of unduly obstructing free expression and free media in Kazakhstan should be reversed immediately,” Mijatović said. “Any sanctions limiting such freedoms must be thoroughly assessed and are only acceptable if they comply with established international standards, proportionate and necessary for the protection of the fundamental rights of others.” 

Mijatović also noted that numerous media outlets have been suspended or closed, and online portals blocked in Kazakhstan in recent years, with authorities citing administrative violations or the publishing of extremist views as the reasons. 

“I reiterate my call on the authorities to take steps in reviewing national legislation restricting media activities and, as necessary, repealing or amending disproportionately prohibitive provisions,” Mijatović said. 

Mijatović’s Office has previously provided the authorities with a legal review of the administrative code that advised removing the disproportionate penalties for administrative missteps (the legal review is available at www.osce.org/fom/106021). 

The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media observes media developments in all 57 OSCE participating States. She provides early warning on violations of freedom of expression and media freedom and promotes full compliance with OSCE media freedom commitments. Learn more at www.osce.org/fom, Twitter: @OSCE_RFoM and on www.facebook.com/osce.rfom. (Upon materials of the OSCE).