Authorities in Astana and three surrounding regions arrest individuals suspected of being religious extremists, as indicated in a recently released video.
In a significant move to maintain national security, the Committee for National Security of Kazakhstan (KNB) disrupted the activities of religious radicals in the cities of Astana, Aбаy, Aktobe, and Turkestan regions in April 2025.
Four Kazakh citizens were arrested on suspicion of terrorism propaganda and inciting religious hatred, including through social networks. The arrested individuals, whose identities remain undisclosed, had previously been convicted for promoting terrorism and religious extremism ideology.
Investigations by the KNB led to the convictions of three residents in Aktobe, Karaganda, and Turkestan regions. The nature or context of the crimes committed by the convicted individuals is not specified.
During searches at their residences, material evidence was seized. The activities of religious radicals were disrupted in coordination with prosecutorial bodies.
The convicted individuals are known to have promoted terrorism and religious extremism ideology among their circles. No further details about the identities or charges of the convicted individuals are provided.
The committee did not disclose information under article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code. It is unclear if there are any potential legal proceedings against the arrested individuals beyond terrorism propaganda and inciting religious hatred.
Recent available reports focus mainly on other regions such as Ukraine, Armenia, Mali, and Russia, without mention of this particular case in Kazakhstan. As a result, verified details on this Kazakhstan case are not readily available. For further information, it is recommended to consult official Kazakhstan government or security agency communications or reputable news sources focusing on Central Asia.
Investigations are ongoing under criminal articles 174 and 256. No further information is provided about the nature or context of the terrorism propaganda or religious hatred that the KNB disrupted.
In light of the ongoing investigations, it appears that the arena of general-news has expanded to include the clash between politics and crime-and-justice, as the Committee for National Security of Kazakhstan (KNB) continues to disrupt activities of religious radicals. The arrests of four Kazakh citizens and subsequent convictions of three residents in different regions suggest a broader issue of terrorism propaganda and inciting religious hatred in Kazakhstan's national politics.
