Editor-in-chief of Internet-portal ratel.kz Marat Asipov challenged the violation of law “On Access to Information” by akimat of Pavlodar oblast

On June 19 there was a preliminary meeting of the parties to a trial at the suit of editor-in-chief of Internet-portal ratel.kz Marat Asipov filed against Head of Agricultural Department Oraz Duzdenbaev and Press Secretary of Akim (Governor) of Pavlodar oblast Azamat Baitenov in Civil Court of Pavlodar from Judge Kairbek Karimov.

On March 14 Marat Asipov sent a written appeal to the Akim (Governor) of Pavlodar Oblast Bolat Bakauov where he asked to provide a list of recipients of farming subsidies for 2012-2016 and also, a list of members of commissions who considered applications from potential recipients of subsidies. On March 17, Head of Agricultural Department (Pavlodar Oblast) Oraz Duzdenbaev refused in a written form to provide the information and referred that this information affected the interests of concrete entrepreneurs.

On March 18 a letter of claim was sent to Regional Akim (Governor)Bolat Bakauov where editor-in-chief of Internet-portal ratel.kz Marat Asipov pointed to violation of law “On Access to Information” by Oraz Duzdenbaev. Six days later, March 24 editor-in-chief received response signed by Press Secretary of Akim (Governor) of Pavlodar Oblast Azamat Baitenov where it was dismissed to provide requested information again.  

Actions of subordinates of akim (governor) of Pavlodar oblast Oraz Duzdenbaev and Azamat Baitenov editor-in-chief of Internet-portal ratel.kz Marat Asipov thought that it was gross violation of law “On Access to Information” article 6 of this Law proclaims that information on health situation, sanitation, demography, migration, education, culture, social protection of economy, agricultural sector and also, crime situation shall not be subject to restriction. The rather that in compliance with the provisions of Para 5 of Article 6 information on privileges, compensations and benefits are granted by state to natural and legal persons shall not be subject to restriction.

On May 30 Marat Asipov filed an action with the City Court of Pavlodar where he asked to admit illegal actions of Oraz Duzdenbaev and Azamat Baitenov and impose them on provision of a list of all recipients of farming subsidies for 2012-2016 and also, a list of members of commissions who considered applications from potential recipients of subsidies.

The primary trial will be held on June 27.