Press-conference on Bigeldy Gabdullin's case took place in Almaty

Press conference “What is Bigeldy Gabdullin accused of?” was held at Kazakhstan Press Club on November 23, 2016. The lawyer of Almaty City Bar Association Oralbai Alimzhan, President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz” Tamara Kaleyeva and journalist of newspaper “CentralAsiaMonitor” Kenzhe Tatilya took part in the press conference.

The press release, provided for journalists,read:   

“On November 15, 2016 the editor-in-chief of newspaper “Central Asia Monitor” and internet-portal “Radiotochka.kz” Bigeldy Gabdullin was detained. On November 17, 2016 he was arrested. National Bureau of Anti-Corruption suspected him of extortion. According to the law enforcement agencies Bigeldy Gabdullin used the state medianewspaper “Central Asia Monitor” andInternet-portal “Radiotochka.kz” for the information attack on heads of state agencies and publishing negative information which discredited their business reputation. Thus he extorted state orders for his media from criticized officials and then he published positive materials.

There is no reasonable explanation of the Anti-Corruption logic saying that criticism means extortion, praise means successful extortion. ”The accuracy of published critical materials in newspaper “Central Asia Monitor” and Internet-portal “Radiotochka.kz” never was challenged in the court. There were accurate facts which could not discredit anyone’s business reputation. Fair criticism of officials of any ranks can not deprive media outlets and journalists of the right to participate in tenders and receiving state orders.

Investigative bodies’ actions suggest presumption of guilt in Bigelgy Gabdullin’s case.

On the day of his detention National Bureau of Anti-Corruption informed of extortion as of obvious fact. At the very beginning of investigation the Head of the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Civil Service Affairs and Anti-Corruption Kairat Kozhamzharov assured that all necessary evidences of Bigeldy Gabdullin’s fault would be found. On January 16 he said: “We will witness all evidences which will be seized during investigation”.

Still nothing is known about the arguments and proofs of state officials, who informed about illegal actions of Bigeldy Gabdullin. The question is left open why National Bureau of Anti-Corruption carries out the investigation of the case while such crimes are subject to the general jurisdiction of Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The searches at editorial offices of newspaper “CentralAsiaMonitor” and Internet-portal “Radiotochka.kz” were aimed to seizure of evidences and were conducted with numerous violations of law. According to information of lawyers legal rights of arrested Bigeldy Gabdullin were violated as well. Some journalists  were terrorized during interrogations at the  National Bureau of Anti-Corruption.

The investigating of Bigeldy Gabdullin’s case should be based on presumption of innocence, observation of law and providing equal rights for prosecution and defense. It is unacceptable when criminal justice system organs form negative public opinion of the famous publicist and respectful person prior to trial.