News

On 27 October, Facebook temporarily blocked the official page of the International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz” over an alleged infringement of third-party copyright.

Kazakhstan has amended its rules for the accreditation of foreign media outlets and journalists. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will now be able to deny, suspend or revoke accreditation on the grounds of “national security interests”. The new rules do not define specific criteria for applying this provision, Exclusive.kz reports.

On 22 October, Azattyq Asia correspondent Bagdat Asylbek was forcibly taken to the Almaty Police Department to provide an explanation in connection with a complaint concerning alleged fraud. While the journalist was at the police department, unknown individuals forced open the door to his apartment and entered the premises, Azattyq Asia reported.

Amangeldy Batyrbekov, editor-in-chief of Saryagash-Inform, who had previously been sentenced to 20 days of administrative detention on a defamation charge, has been remanded in custody for two months. Blogger and civic activist Tortuyl Shokan reported this on social media.

The Bostandyk District Court of Almaty has resumed consideration of a lawsuit filed by construction company Etude-Ybyrai LLP against journalist Vadim Boreiko over the protection of its business reputation and recovery of damages.

Madina Zhatkanbayeva, editor-in-chief of the 4vlastinfo news portal, says she has faced pressure following the publication of an investigative report on the use of public funds in the Turkestan Region. According to her, two lawsuits have been filed against her, while police have drawn up an administrative offence report whose legality she is challenging.