Lawmakers from Russia and Kazakhstan establish data-sharing mechanism for investigating external manipulation strategies.
Upcoming Concerns for Activists in Kazakhstan: A Potential Crackdown on Foreign Agents
Brace yourself, activists in Kazakhstan, as Russian and Kazakh officials have devised a parliamentary-level mechanism to share strategies on combating foreign agents' influence, according to Interfax. This could be troubling news for Kazakhstan's non-governmental sector, as such an information exchange might pave the way for "foreign agents"-style legislation similar to what Russia and Kyrgyzstan have already implemented this year.
At a meeting in Almaty of the Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization's Parliamentary Assembly, the bilateral information exchange agreement was reportedly made. A Russian MP, Vasily Piskarev, confirmed that the new mechanism would facilitate the exchange of legal norms to protect sovereignty, primarily with a focus on countering foreign interference and the influence of foreign agents in domestic politics.
Piskarev, who heads the State Duma commission responsible for identifying and eliminating foreign meddling, suggested that this information exchange could be extended to other CSTO members.
The prospect of Kazakhstan adopting a foreign agents law has put non-governmental organizations on high alert. Historically, such legislation is designed to heighten disclosure requirements for entities, including non-profits and media outlets, that receive a considerable amount of foreign funding. However, prior instances have demonstrated that provisions are crafted for governments to stifle organizations that express unpopular viewpoints or engage in activities contrary to political preferences of ruling authorities.
The Kremlin has notably used foreign agents legislation as a tool for repression, suffocating all forms of internal dissent. Kyrgyzstan has also adopted Russian-style foreign agents laws this year.
Kazakhstan is not only grappling with the potential introduction of foreign agents legislation, but also with concerns surrounding media freedom. In early June, the Kazakh Senate approved a media law containing provisions that could restrict independent journalists and outlets via a revamped accreditation process. This media bill was approved by the lower house of parliament before its approval.
Commissioner for Human Rights under the President of Kazakhstan, Artur Lastaev, previously expressed doubts about the adoption of a foreign agents law, stating that it wasn't on the agenda yet. Yet, he conceded, "What will happen tomorrow, I cannot predict."
In 2023, a Kazakh government agency established a registry for individuals receiving funds from foreign states, international organizations, foreigners, and stateless persons. This registry, according to Lastaev, is primarily aimed at ensuring that all taxes on such foreign income are paid. In September 2023, the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance released a list identifying 240 individuals and entities contained in the registry.
With global trends showing countries enacting similar measures to control perceived foreign influence in domestic affairs, there is a delicate balance at play in Kazakhstan between democracy, human rights, and the desire for greater control over external influences.
- The discussion on foreign agents influences has raised concerns for activists and non-governmental organizations in Kazakhstan, as parliamentary-level information exchange between Russian and Kazakh officials could potentially lead to the implementation of similar foreign agents-style legislation.
- Expanding beyond Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan has also adopted Russian-style foreign agents laws this year, adding to the global trend of countries enacting measures to control perceived foreign influence in domestic affairs.
- In addition to potential foreign agents legislation, concerns surrounding media freedom also persist in Kazakhstan, with the Kazakh Senate approving a media law containing provisions that could restrict independent journalists and outlets.
- The delicate balance in Kazakhstan lies between democracy, human rights, and the desire for greater control over external influences, as global trends show countries tightening control mechanisms to counter foreign interference in domestic politics and policies.
