Opposition figure in Kazakhstan receives seven-year prison term
Unleashed Penalties: The Summer of Unrest for Kazakh Anti-Government Influencers
It's been a tumultuous summer for Kazakh anti-government social media influencers. First, the vlogger Aidos Sadykov met an untimely end in Ukraine, and now another critic, Duman Mukhammedkarim, has been slapped with a seven-year prison sentence for "financing extremism" and "participating" in a forbidden organization.
Mukhammedkarim's conviction took place at a court in the Almaty region on August 2, following a secret trial. In addition to the prison sentence, he has been barred from engaging in public and political activities for the next three years.
The conviction stems from an interview Mukhammedkarim conducted with Kazakhstan's arch-nemesis - former banker Mukhtar Ablyazov, the founder of the opposition Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK) movement. Ablyazov, who resides in an unknown location in Europe, is wanted in his homeland for charges of murder and embezzlement. In 2018, a court in Astana deemed DVK an "extremist organization" and prohibited its activities.
During the interview, Mukhammedkarim displayed a graphic on the YouTube screen displaying bank account details to which viewers could transfer funds to Ablyazov, allegedly to support a campaign advocating for political dissidents' rights. Prosecutors view this act as funding DVK, a forbidden organization.
Galym Nurpeisov, Mukhammedkarim's lawyer, informed journalists on August 5 that the investigation failed to provide evidence of his client's guilt. Mukhammedkarim himself denies the accusations and alleges the case to be politically motivated. He intends to file an appeal.
Mukhammedkarim first came under official scrutiny for his extensive reporting on the bloody January 2022 events, the most significant instance of political upheaval in independent Kazakhstan's existence. At least 238 people lost their lives in the turmoil. Officials have worked hard to keep public discussions about the causes, participants, and aftermath of the events to a minimum. However, Mukhammedkarim persisted in interviewing eyewitnesses and loved ones of victims, as well as exploring claims of torture inflicted on those detained during the chaos. He emerged as a vocal critic of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's administration.
In March 2023, Mukhammedkarim ran for parliament as an independent candidate. Unsuccessfully, he was jailed for 25 days for an administrative violation connected with his one-man protest against election fraud. Local human rights organizations have classified Mukhammedkarim as a political prisoner.
BackgroundKazakhstan has a politically complex atmosphere where freedom of speech and political dissent are closely monitored. The government often takes action against opposition figures and activists, employing laws related to extremism and participation in banned organizations as grounds for prosecution.
Legal FrameworkIn Kazakhstan, laws against extremism and participation in banned organizations serve as common tools to target individuals who express dissent or back opposition movements. These laws make up a broader legal framework aiming to preserve public order and stability, but they can also be used to suppress political opposition.
Social Media and DissentSocial media has become essential for political expression and dissent in Kazakhstan. Influencers and activists frequently utilize these platforms to articulate their opinions and rally support for diverse causes. However, this increased visibility can attract unwanted attention from authorities, leading to legal repercussions.
Current Status of Dissent in KazakhstanThe status of dissent in contemporary Kazakhstan remains precarious. Protests and public demonstrations often meet a strong police presence, and those involved may face legal repercussions. While the government has engaged in dialogue with protesters in certain instances, the overall climate remains restrictive for political opposition.
- The long prison sentence for Duman Mukhammedkarim, a vocal critic of the Kazakh government, has sparked concerns within the local and general-news community, as it follows his interview with a banned opposition leader.
- As Kazakhstan's business and political landscape continues to be unsettled by the summer of unrest for anti-government influencers, the conviction of Duman Mukhammedkarim serves as a chilling reminder of the government's approach to crime-and-justice matters related to political dissent.
