On 18 October 2024 a court in Astana (Астана), Kazakhstan (Казахстан), sentenced Kazakh journalist Daniyar Adilbekov (Данияр Әділбеков), the author of the “Wild Horde” (Дикая орда) telegram channel (https://t.me/qara_orda), to four and a half years in prison, accusing him of spreading false information through a post on telegram platform. The judge found Adilbekov guilty under the articles “Knowingly false denunciation” (Part 3 of Article 419) and “Dissemination of knowingly false information ” (Part 2 of Article 274) of the Penal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Adilbekov’s post reportedly implicated an official in corruption. His co-defendant Erlan Saudegerov (Ерлан Саудегеров), received a suspended three-year sentence and probation on related charges. Both defendants denied the allegations, citing procedural violations and insufficient evidence.
You can read more on the channel: https://t.me/qara_orda
Adilbekov’s arrest in March this year and subsequent trial were prompted by a Telegram post linking one state official to allegedly corrupt practices. Adilbekov also faced accusations of distributing false information regarding key figures in Kazakhstan. Despite the court’s ruling, Adilbekov and Saudegerov’s defense highlighted serious legal concerns and a lack of concrete evidence to support the charges.
In addition to his legal challenges, Adilbekov reported being tortured, claiming that officials threatened him with charges against his family if he did not comply. These allegations were later denied by the authorities. The imprisonment of Adilbekov, alongside other journalists in Kazakhstan, has raised widespread concerns about press freedom in the country. In May 2024, over a dozen journalists appealed to President of Kazakhstan Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev (Қасым-Жомарт Тоқаев) for a fair investigation and the release of Adilbekov.
This sentencing has deepened worries about the treatment of journalists in Kazakhstan, with many calling for reforms to protect media independence and ensure transparency in such cases.
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the sentencing of Kazakh journalist Daniyar Adilbekov to 4.5 years in prison on questionable charges of disseminating false information. Such actions undermine press freedom and violate fundamental human rights, especially given reports of procedural violations and allegations of torture. SEEMO calls on Kazakh authorities to review the case transparently, ensure fair legal proceedings, and protect journalists from persecution. SEEMO will continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the safety and freedom of all journalists in Kazakhstan.
South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.
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