Reporters Without Borders: “The KazTAG verdict is a warning to all journalists in Kazakhstan”

The international press freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has published an investigation into the trial of Amir Kassenov, editor-in-chief of the independent news agency KazTAG, and its CEO, Asset Matayev.

“The prosecution of KazTAG has sent a stark warning to all journalists in Kazakhstan”

The organisation stresses that imposing harsh sanctions on journalists ahead of the vote is seriously damaging freedom of expression.

“The prosecution of KazTAG has sent a stark warning to all journalists in Kazakhstan: investigating the interests of the elite may result in being banned from working as a journalist. During an election campaign, when independent journalism plays an especially important role in enabling public debate, such a harsh and disproportionate decision can only deepen the climate of fear and self-censorship that already exists in the country. The authorities must stop using the judicial system to harass journalists and allow them to carry out their news reporting freely.” — Jeanne Cavelier, Head of RSF’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Desk

On 31 July, an Almaty court sentenced Amir Kassenov and Asset Matayev to one year and three months of restricted freedom in a case concerning the “dissemination of false information” initiated by the investment company Freedom Finance. The court also ordered them to pay more than 200 million tenge in compensation and banned them from working as journalists for five years.

“Amir Kassenov has already said that the main purpose of the prosecution against him was to silence him. That is exactly what has happened... We consider the ban preventing Amir Kassenov from working as a journalist to be a completely disproportionate punishment and intend to appeal the decision. Despite serious health problems, Amir Kassenov is holding up well and remains determined to fight for his rights.”— Rena Kerimova, lawyer

“No one wants to suffer the same fate as KazTAG”

The case stemmed from a series of articles published by KazTAG in the spring of 2025 about complaints from citizens alleging fraudulent schemes involving employees of Freedom Finance. In June 2026, Kassenov recorded an appeal to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He was subsequently transferred from house arrest to a pre-trial detention facility and began a dry hunger strike.

The proceedings have had a significant chilling effect on the country’s media environment.

“Journalists are genuinely afraid to write or say even one word too many. And it is not even a question of doing so under their own names — they are afraid to write under pseudonyms as well. No one wants to suffer the same fate as KazTAG.”— An anonymous Kazakhstani journalist speaking to RSF

According to the RSF investigation, one of the main reasons for editorial silence is not only fear of litigation but also the media sector’s significant financial dependence on the advertiser: “Freedom Finance funds the entire media market. Almost every media outlet has Freedom banners on its website.”

“Self-censorship has become widespread — there have been too many court cases in recent years with serious consequences for journalists. Today, I can say that professional journalists — or, more precisely, those who write about issues that are uncomfortable for the authorities — are being deliberately and systematically pushed out of the profession.” — Irina Petrushova, head of Respublika

Systematic pressure on the press

Pressure on investigative journalists is intensifying against the backdrop of electoral processes in the country, including the referendum on constitutional reform, which came into force on 1 July, and the parliamentary elections.

“I cannot recall a single case in which journalists managed to win in court when they were accused of defamation or disseminating false information, even when they had every possible piece of evidence demonstrating their innocence and good faith.”— Rena Kerimova, lawyer

Kazakhstan ranks 149th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2026 World Press Freedom Index. RSF representatives noted that they were unable to obtain a comment directly from Amir Kassenov because a court order prohibits him from making public statements or giving interviews.

Read the full article on the RSF website