We knew that, but thanks anyway

2 september 2021

On August 26, "Adil Soz" wrote that the case on interfering with legal professional activity (Article 158 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan) of journalist Oksana Matasova has been red taped for three months.

09/02/2021

On September 2, we received a reply from the Police Department of the Aqmola region. G. Pinchuk, the head of the OViVK (abbreviation used in the document) did not tell us anything new, He just repeatred all the facts that we have already written about.

Here is the letter:

"DEPARTMENT OF POLICE OF AQMOLA REGION

To the International Foundation for the Protection of Freedom of Speech "Adil Soz".

We hereby inform you that on May 27, 2021 the investigation department of the Police Department of Kokshetau registered the case under article 158 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Interfering with legal professional activity of a journalist in the National Register of Pre-Trial Investigations under No.21111031001659. The case was registered under complaint of journalist O.Matasova.

All the necessary investigative actions under the case were carried out. Charges against R.A. Khugoev were separated under Article 434, part 1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses - Disorderly conduct (an administrative fine was imposed in the amount of 14,500 tenge).

On June 7 a decision was made to discontinue the pre-trial investigation in accordance with Article 35, Part 1, Clause 2 of the Criminal Procedure Code. That decision was approved by the prosecutor's office of Kokshetau.On June 26 2021 the prosecutor's office canceled the decision to discontinue the investigation under the appeal of the victim. It ordered to resume investigative actions.

At the moment, the pre-trial investigation is ongoing.

According to O.Matasova R.O.Khugoev committed an insult by humiliating her honor and dignity, expressed in an indecent form. Therefore she should file a private complaint to court to bring Khugoev to criminal liability under Art. 131 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Insult).

Head of OViVK G. Pinchuk "

Let's think that by this letter the police reminded itself that the fourth month of invetigation is the high time to take some new actions.