The materials that attracted the attention of law enforcement contain "false information, calls to boycott the referendum, and other information misleading citizens, using phone numbers registered in foreign jurisdictions," the police statement noted.
In connection with the obstruction of electoral rights, a criminal case has been initiated, the police added.
Journalist Vadim Boreyko reported on his Telegram channel that Orazaly Yerzhanov has already been arrested for 10 days by the investigative court of Almaty. According to his wife Aida, the activist will remain in custody until March 5, "until charges are brought." Currently, Yerzhanov has no charges against him, nor is there clarity regarding the article of the Criminal Code.
Boreyko also noted that posts on Facebook regarding the new Constitution and the upcoming referendum, which may be related to Yerzhanov's arrest, have currently disappeared from his account.
Orazaly Yerzhanov is the director of the public fund for the return of illegally withdrawn assets, Elge Qaitaru. In the late 1990s, he held positions as deputy chairman of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan and deputy minister of finance.
Changes to the Constitution of Kazakhstan are taking place as part of a reform proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. On February 11, he was presented with the final draft of the updated fundamental law, in which most articles have been amended. The referendum, where citizens of Kazakhstan will be able to express their opinion on the new Constitution, will take place on March 15.
Yerzhanov was not the only activist to face persecution for expressing views on constitutional changes and the upcoming referendum. In early February, activist Ermek Narymbay was arrested in Astana, who also shared his opinion on the constitutional reform on social media. His lawyer reported that the court had previously imposed a ban on Narymbay's participation in public, political, and socio-economic issues, which became the basis for his arrest.
