One of the most alarming moments was the detention of the editor-in-chief of KazTAG, Aset Mataev, who, according to his lawyer, became a victim of a group beating. The police, however, describe this incident as a domestic conflict and do not provide clear information. Given the recent criminal cases against media leaders, there are grounds to believe that this could be a provocation to pressure the media. On the day of the referendum, journalists from "Radio Azattyk," Zholdas Orisbay, "Informburo," Aigerim Eskendir, and Saniya Toyken were detained at the entrance of the polling station, where presidential voting was expected, and taken to the police station. They were released only three hours later without any charges or explanations. Additionally, their phones were confiscated, which prevented them from contacting the editorial office and their lawyer.
According to the Legal Media Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, before the referendum, journalists, activists, and bloggers faced an unprecedented wave of content blocking and removal on social media.
The editor-in-chief of Orda.kz, Gulnar Bazhkenova, and the editor-in-chief of KazTAG, Amir Kasenov, are under house arrest, accused of disseminating knowingly false information. The authors of the statement note that the lack of current data on the progress of their cases contributes to the spread of rumors and misinformation.
Against the backdrop of current events, changes in media legislation concerning the prohibition of LGBT propaganda, as well as initiatives from the Ministry of Culture and Information for strict control over the internet space, are particularly concerning.
Activists believe that what is happening is a troubling signal, especially in light of recent statements by the Minister of Culture and Information, Aida Balayeva, and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev about the need to ensure citizens' rights to freedom of speech and information, as well as the democratization of legislation and the adoption of a new Constitution. They state that such actions are unacceptable in a democratic society, as Kazakhstan positions itself, and call for a thorough investigation of the situation and an end to the persecution of journalists.
