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Kazakhstan’s Crackdown on Dissent Continues: New Draft Law Targets Foreign Social Media Platforms

Astana, Kazakhstan - The government of Kazakhstan has introduced a new draft law that would require foreign social media platforms to register locally and comply with content removal requests within 24 hours. The move is seen as the latest attempt by the authorities to stifle dissent and maintain their grip on power.

Growing Crackdown on Government Critics

The proposed legislation comes amid a growing crackdown on government critics, human rights defenders, and journalists in Kazakhstan. In recent months, several individuals have been arrested and charged with spreading false information, inciting national discord, or participating in banned “extremist” groups.

Examples of Persecution

  • Temirlan Ensebek, a 25-year-old who ran a satirical Instagram account for less than a month before shutting it down, was subsequently arrested and charged with disseminating knowingly false information.
  • The phone numbers of human rights defender Bakhytzhan Toregozhina, journalists Serikzhan Mauletbay and Bigeldy Gabdullin, appear to have been selected for targeting with spyware by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.
  • Blogger Ermek Taichibekov was convicted on overbroad criminal charges of inciting national discord through mass media and sentenced to seven years in prison.

Concerns from International Actors

The OSCE Media Freedom Representative Teresa Ribeiro has raised concerns about the safety of journalists, disinformation, legislative developments, and other challenges in Kazakhstan during her recent visit to the country.

Arrests and Harassment of Opposition Members

Kazakh authorities have continued their multi-year crackdown on government critics, targeting perceived or actual members of banned “extremist” groups with criminal prosecution. Courts have convicted dozens of people, subjecting them to restrictions including multi-year bans on engaging in political activities.

Examples of Arrests and Harassment

  • Aset Abishev was released on parole after serving two-and-a-half years of a four-year sentence for alleged participation in the banned Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan.
  • The government has also targeted trade union leaders, such as the independent Industrial Trade Union of Fuel and Energy Workers.

Labor Rights and Poverty

The government has been criticized for its restrictive trade union laws and poor treatment of workers. In February 2021, a Shymkent court suspended the independent Industrial Trade Union of Fuel and Energy Workers for six months for allegedly failing to register in accordance with Kazakhstan’s trade union law.

  • The poverty rate in Kazakhstan has increased to 12-14 percent, according to World Bank estimates.
  • Mothers with multiple children across Kazakhstan continued to protest for increased social and housing benefits in 2021.

Torture and Ill-Treatment

Torture and ill-treatment occur with impunity in Kazakhstan, according to human rights groups. Radio Azattyk reported that out of 120 torture allegations registered by prison facilities between January and May, no cases had been sent to court.

Key International Actors

The European Parliament has issued a strongly worded resolution on the human rights situation in Kazakhstan, focusing on the crackdown on civil society, torture, free speech, and politically motivated persecution. The EU special representative on Central Asia has also discussed human rights and gender equality with the authorities during her visit to Kazakhstan.

Conclusion

Kazakhstan’s continued crackdown on dissent highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights and democratic values in the region. As the country prepares to take its seat on the UN Human Rights Council, international actors are urging the government to respect and protect the rights of its citizens.