Day by Day 2012
December, 24
There was an urgent press conference «On Disappearance of Journalist Tokbergen Abiev» in National Press Club on December 24, 2012. The Chairman of Board of Union of Journalists of the Republic of Kazakhstan Seytkazy Matayev and President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva have participated in it. They informed about disappearance of the Head of Press Club of Alliance of Kazakhstan Mass Media «Zakon I Pravosudie» Tokbergen Abiev on the night of 19th /20th December, 2012. Human rights activists believed that disapperance of Tokbergen Abiev was connected with his professional activity. They urged the Kazakh law-enforcement agencies to take measures and do everything possible to locate him.
December, 19
On December 19, 2012 three Kazakhstan's Non-Governmental Organizations – National Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters, International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» and Internews-Kazakhstan have appealed to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan N. A. Nazarbayev and some heads of state structures with regard to anti-constitutional actions of joint-stock company «Kazteleradio» which violated rights of citizens, related to access to information and appearance of alternative operators of on-air television and radio broadcasting and alternative suppliers of receiving equipment.
December, 14
On December 14, 2012 International Human Rights Organization «ARTICLE 19» (Great Britain) and International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» have conducted a round table «Incitement of Social Enmity and Guarantees of Freedom of Expression».
Sociologists, political scientists, lawyers have discussed sociological and politological aspects of threat of incitement of social enmity, international and national legislation of responsibility for this crime. Specialists focused on criteria of incitement of social enmity and its application in law-enforcement and judicial practice of Kazakhstan within scope of round table.
December, 10
There was a press conference «Events of Outgoing 2012 Year Human Rights Activists' Impression» in Kazakhstan Press Club of Almaty on December 10, 2012. The press conference was devoted to Human Rights Day which is celebrated annually by proposal of the General Assembly of United Nations from 1950. The Deputy for Director of Legal Policy Research Centre Tatiana Zinovich, Deputy Director for General Affairs of Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law Denis Dzhivaga and Head of Public Centre of Expertise over Information Disputes of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Galiya Azhenova have participated in press conference. She has noted in particular: both in 2012 and in 2002 -is a black year of Kazakhstan's journalism. Ten years ago, television channel «TAN» was shot, editorial office of the newspaper «Respublika» was burnt down; opposition press was liquidated, popular websites were blocked and independent editions were wasted, according to judgments. As a matter of fact there was an attempt to leave Kazakhstan's society without alternative information.
December, 05
The studio of website has conducted live broadcasting, because of extreme situation, court has made a rule, related to suspension of Internet-resource www.guljan.org. Representatives of the journalistic community, non-governmental organizations and parties have participated in improvised on-line conference. The President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva has expressed her own opinion, concerning this situation in live broadcasting.
We would remind you that on December 05, 2012 editorial staff of Internet-website www.guljan.org has received a notification from law enforcement officer. According to ruling of the Judge of Bostandyk District Court of Almaty A. Abaygeldinova, who prohibited to editor-in-chief of www.guljan.org G. Ergalieva placement, issue and distribution of materials (regardless of authorship) of Internet-resource www.guljan.org.
The court ruling was made on ground of action of Public Prosecutor of Bostandyk District of Almaty. The content of suit is not known; the essence of suit is not called. It was a great surprise for Internet-resource and G. Ergalieva. They did not know about open trial the day before.
November, 23
There was a conduction of press conference "Seizure of circulation of the newspaper «Respublika». Editorial staff received statement of claim from General Prosecutor's Office "
Editorial staff of the newspaper «Golos Respubliki» has conducted a press conference. There were editor-in-chief of the newspaper «Golos Respubliki» Tatiana Trubacheva, deputy director of LLP, publisher of the newspaper «Golos Respubliki» Guzyal Baydalinova and an independent lawyer, who protected interests of the edition repeatedly Sergei Utkin and president of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva. Tamara Kaleyeva has expressed her opinion that suit of General Prosecutor's Office on closure of some media would have a detrimental effect on image of Kazakhstan on the world stage.
November, 21
On November 21, 2012 International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» jointly with some nongovernmental and human rights organizations has made a statement on inadmissibility of elimination of opposition media in Kazakhstan.
The closure of 8 newspapers and 23 Internet-resources is a violation of democratic norms, attempt to put an end to pluralism of opinions, freedom of speech and political diversity guaranteed by Constitution of Kazakhstan, in spite of forthcoming stability, it will have the reverse effect.
The independent and various media are obligatory component «for preservation of democratic principles and strengthening of stability. They are media outlets, think that General Prosecutor's Office of Almaty shall stop mass campaign of media closure and media outlets shall investigate violations of law seriously and adequately».
November, 20
There was a conduction of fifth annual regional conference, concerning issues on development of Kazakhstan's media market «Media Market : Effective Management and Points of Growth» on November 20, 2012 in Almaty. «Media Kurultay 2012» was devoted to new media and the future prospects of its growth in conditions of crisis, state policy in media sphere, television and radio digitization e.g. Kazakhstan Press Club has been the organizer of event.
There were over 250 participants of the conference, representatives of media sphere, branch-wise ministry, deputies of Majilis of Parliament;representatives on nongovernmental organizations in Kazakhstan and international media organizations; foreign experts and specialists of media sphere. They discussed situation with media market and media-industry in Kazakhstan.
Representatives of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz», President of Foundation Tamara Kaleyeva, Project Coordinator of IFEX Elena Malygina and Head of Public Center of Expertise over Information Disputes Galiya Azhenova have been also among participants of «Media Kurultay 2012».
November, 19
There was a press conference on November 19, 2012 in National Press Club. The press conference was devoted to the International Day to End Impunity. The President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva, Chairman of the Board of Journalists of the Republic of Kazakhstan Seyitkazy Matayev, Chief Editor of Newspaper «Zerkalo» (Temirtau) Natalia Sinyakova, Head of Nongovernmental Organization "Regional Center of Journalism «TILSHI» (Aktobe) Askar Aktleuov, Lawyer of Internet-Portal « Stan.kz» Natalia Sartbayeva and Program Coordinator (IFEX) Elena Malygina have participated in press conference.
On November 23 journalists around the world are celebrating The International Day to End Impunity. Journalists from Philippines acted as initiators. The global network consists of 89 journalistic organizations (IFEX) which confined to defending and promoting free expression supported the initiative.
The goal of the Day is to achieve justice for those persecuted for exercising their right to freedom of expression by drawing global attention to the issue of impunity. The Day not only raises public awareness about what creates and sustains a culture of impunity, it also prompts concerned citizens world-wide to take action, make their voices heard and demand justice.
The impunity of crimes against journalists – is a direct consequence of quality of law and order and quality of justice.
It was noted at press conference that the problem of impunity of crimes against journalists took a place in Kazakhstan. Death of journalists: in 2003, journalist of newspaper “Vremya” Bolat Manakov and editor of newspaper “Altyn Gasyr” Nuri Muftakh and in 2004, editor of Internet-newspaper “Navigator” Askhat Sharipzhanov.
In 2007, the Director of Anti-Corruption Department of Republican Newspaper “Zakon I Pravosudie” Oralgaysha Omarshanova disappeared. In 2009, in Kazakhstan Kyrgyz journalist Gennadiy Pavluk was killed.
Persons, who were guilty of death of journalists and assassin's paymasters, they were not found and punished.
Every year, dozens of journalists of the Republic of Kazakhstan are attacked, beaten and threatened. Uralsk' journalist Lukpan Akhmedyarov, who was suffered from unknown persons (in particular, he named 2012 winner of Peter Mackler Award) is not sure that attackers on him will be found and punished.
Tamara Kaleyeva said to participants of press conference, that International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» intended to make written statement to General Prosecutor's Office, concerning facts which were collected during monitoring; «Adil Soz» would request General Prosecutor's Office to take under its strict control the investigation of these cases.
November, 7
During the last five years, Kazakhstan formed a draft law on freedom of information. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan has already adopted such laws. In this connection in May 2012, UNESCO conducted a series of seminars for editors of print media with the goal of training citizens on how to protect their right to information.
The trainings are relevant and necessary in that the new laws do not fully secure the right of citizens to information — retaining the culture of secrecy in government organs. Accordingly, it is difficult to challenge the failure to provide information during pre-trial procedures, to receive a list of secrets, and to share information of public interest without penalty or punishment.
In this connection, on May 2012, in Almaty and Dushanbe, two three-day workshops were conducted for chief editors of print media from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
The workshops were organized by the International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz,” as part of the project called "The Promotion of Professional Capacities of Chief Editors of Central Asian Print Media on the Freedom of Information,” which is supported through UNESCO’s International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC) and coordinated by UNESCO Almaty Office.
The workshops included the following topics: on citizens receiving access to information under state control; on analyzing national laws based on international principles of freedom of information; on writing formal requests to government organs. A number of practical exercises for realizing the citizens’right to information were also conducted. UNESCO's Gender-Sensitive Indicators for Media and IPDC's Media Development Indicators were used for developing the seminars’ program and inviting participants. For preparing the training materials, UNESCO's Communication and Information publications as well as ARTICLE 19's guidelines on freedom of information were used. After the trainings were conducted, articles were published in the local press.
October, 30
On October 30, 2012 The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunija Mijatovic has met with representatives of the civil society. The President of International Foundation of Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva has also participated in it. She has sounded the real problems of Kazakhstan's media, in particular journalists, who covered events in Mangistau oblast; they were attempted to charge with extremism and incitement of social enmity.
November, 01-03
There was an international scientific and practical conference «Journalism and journalistic education in the modern world: ideas, conceptions, new technologies». The international scientific and practical conference «Journalism and journalistic education in the modern world: ideas, conceptions, new technologies» was conducted on faculty of journalism of Kazakh State University of Al-Farabi in Almaty. Kazakh State University of Al-Farabi in Almaty took the lead in conference. International organizations: the OSCE, Almaty Cluster Office of UNESCO for Kazakhstan and, also media organizations: Internews Network Representative Office in Kazakhstan, International Center for Journalism «MediaNet» and International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» have supported the idea.
Executives of high education institutions, professors of journalism faculties, practice reporters; representatives of international and Kazakhstan's media organizations participated in conference. They discussed problems of journalistic education in Kazakhstan and methods of their solution. Participants of conference have summarized materials, appraised the real opportunities to change situation with journalistic education in Kazakhstan, made recommendations for everyone, who was tied with problem and could influence on improvement of education quality of journalists.
The Head of Public Center of Expertise over Information Disputes of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Galiya Azhenova has made a report on need to a conduction of training in the sphere of law knowledge and media legislation for students.
October, 10-11
There was a conduction of expert meeting, related to issues on the civil defamation in Kazakhstan on October 10-11, 2012 in Almaty. Human rights organization ARTICLE 19 and international foundation for protection of freedom of speech «Adil Soz» have organized it.
15 media lawyers have participated in it. The Senior Program Officer (ARTICLE 19) Boyko Boyev has been as expert there.
Participants discussed statements of Civil Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, concerning defamation, they focused on a lack of significant guaranties for freedom of expression, which were consolidated in international legislation. There was a discussion of points of the judicial practice, related to civil cases of defamation. They paid special attention to decriminalization of criminal defamation and reform of Criminal Code of 2011.
There was an effective dialogue which helped to practicing lawyers deeply understand peculiarities of the conduction of affairs of this category; designate main problems of the civil regulations of information disputes and they made recommendations to settle them.
September, 20
On September 20, 2012 coalition of non-governmental organizations «20 – BAP» (in particular, International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» is an active member of coalition of non-governmental organizations «20 – BAP») has elaborated proposals to new draft of Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Note: Coalition of non-governmental organizations «20 – BAP» (20-th article of the Constitution which promulgates freedom of speech and censorship ban. It was established by 12 non-governmental organizations in September, 2012. The International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» – is a initiator, organizer of coalition establishment. The coalition works on concrete proposals of legislation improvement and it strives that these proposals will be adopted by Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
September, 14
There was an opening of press center and holding of the first session of forum «Courts and Mass Media» in Almaty City Court on September 14, 2012. The President and Head of Legal Service of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva and Ganna Krasilnikova spoke at a session.
September, 08
There was a press conference in National Press Club on September 08, 2012. It was devoted to International Day of Journalists' Solidarity. The press conference was conducted by Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan, International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» and Almaty Cluster Office for Kazakhstan of UNESCO in Kazakhstan.
As you know, this day is celebrated from 1958 in memory of Czechoslovak journalist Julius Fucik, who was put to death by Nazists.
On this day, all over the world there are memorable arrangements of his colleagues, who was killed in the line of duty, there is a demonstration of solidarity with journalists and who were victimized for dissemination of truth information. Pulitzer Prize is awarded on this day.
Participants of press conference have discussed the situation with freedom of speech in Kazakhstan, status of journalists and actual matters of media sphere. After completion of press conference, its participants and journalists left building of National Press Club. They burnt candles to venerate memory of their died colleagues and released balloons as a sign of professional solidarity.
July, 27
A round table was held on July 27, 2012 in Astana. There was a discussion of the new draft of Code of Journalism Ethics. Representatives of Kazakhstan's media outlets, public associations and state structures have proposed to public court the draft of Code of Journalism Ethics of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It will not be a legal document of imperative nature. Draftsmen said that it will be as instrument of professional self- discipline and moral guideline of journalists.
The President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva participated in the work of round table.
July, 12
There was an international research and practice conference «Prospects of approach of Kazakhstan's legislation to international standards of freedom of speech» on July 12, 2012 in Astana.
The conference was organized by International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz», Center of the OSCE in Astana with the support of Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway in Kazakhstan and the Global Campaign for Freedom of Expression «ARTICLE 19».
There was a discussion of actual issues on improvement of Kazakhstan's legislation in the sphere of freedom of expression: freedom of speech and protection of privacy in draft of the new reading of Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan; necessity and methods of decriminalization of libel and insult; regulation of recovery of moral damage compensation, in cases of protection of honour and dignity, prospectives of the adoption of law «On Access to Information», necessity of improvement of the law «On Mass Media» and etc. during conference.
International experts, deputies of Majilis of Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Adviser to President of Political Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan E. Ertysbayev, representative officers of the state bodies (in particular, Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Commission of Human Rights under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan); agents of diplomatic missions, representatives of international and Kazakhstan's organizations, journalists and media workers participated in the work of the conference.
June, 23
There was a round table «European Union and Human Rights in Central Asia Today!» and a number of meetings in Europarliament, (they were conducted by International Partnership for Human Rights and the Netherlands Helsinki Committee) was held on June 20-23, 2012 in Brussel.
The event was held in connection with the five-year anniversary of the «Strategy of European Union in Central Asia».
The President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva participated in the work of the round table and working meetings.
June, 19
There was an international conference «Freedom of Internet» on June 18-19, 2012 in Dublin. Kazakhstan's delegation of non-governmental organizations and governmental organization of the Republic of Kazakhstan participated in the work of the conference
The IT-specialist Vyacheslav Murtazin, employee of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» participated in the work of the conference.
June, 11
On June 11, 2012 International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» and Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan have made a joint statement on encroachment of freedom of speech in the Conception of Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Therefore, new criminal code under message of conception's authors should maintain and toughen criminal responsibility for libel and insult; these statutes contradicted to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Obligations of Kazakhstan, prior to Council of Human Rights of the United Nations.
It is inadmissible to consider the freedom of speech as a tool of criminal offence. We express our anxiety, that authors of the Conception insisted on strengthening of criminal responsibility for intrusion on people's privacy.
Articles, make provision of imprisonment for deliberate defamation should be defaulted in new reading of Criminal Code. Honor and dignity – are terms of subjective and estimative nature, their protection should be fulfilled in civil order. President of Kazakhstan N. A. Nazarbayev said that Kazakhstan undertook by results of the consideration of Universal Periodical Report of United Nations Human Rights Council. New Criminal Code should protect human rights and freedoms in interest of the society, not only state officials, who fear the public control.
May, 30
On May 30, 2012 National Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters of Kazakhstan under support of Soros – Foundation – Kazakhstan has conducted a conference «Regulation of Television and Radio Broadcasting of Kazakhstan in Interests of the Sphere and Society».
Deputies of Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, international and national experts, heads of Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Kazakhstan, National Economic Chamber of Kazakhstan «Soyuz Atameken», JSC «Kazteleradio»; directors of «on-air» television channels, operators of Kazakh television; international and media outlets.
The President of Foundation «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva has made a report «On Perspective of Establishment of Public Television in Kazakhstan».
During constructive discussion, participants discussed the actual aspects of the regulation of television and radio broadcasting in Kazakhstan, in particular, in connection with adherence of law «On Television and Radio Broadcasting».
May, 22
There was an expert conference «Implementation of recommendations of UN' bodies in relation to Republic of Kazakhstan» on May 22, 2012 in Astana. Participants of expert conference have discussed the content of recommendations of the Committee of UN of Human Rights, related to fulfillment of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by Kazakhstan and made proposals to execute them.
Key international experts of UN, specialists of the civil society, representatives of state bodies and international and non-governmental organizations participated in expert conference.
It was organized by:Representative Office of European Union in the Republic of Kazakhstan, Center of the OSCE in Astana, Regional Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of United Nations, Norwegian Helsinki Committee, Representative Office of Freedom House in Kazakhstan, Legal Policy Research Center, Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law and International Center of Journalism «MediaNet».
The President of Foundation «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva has made a report «Situation with implementation of recommendation of 25th Committee of Human Rights of United Nations» on conference.
May, 21
There was a press conference «Why it is impossible to introduce a system of conditional access to national television channels» on May 21, 2012 in National Press Club. It was carried out by Executive Director of National Association of television and Radio Broadcasters of Kazakhstan Sholpan Zhaksybayeva, President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva and Director of «Internews – Kazakhstan» Marzhan Elshibayeva. There was also a discussion of opinion, related to introduction of a system of conditional access to national television channels. Representatives of public media organizations – International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz», National Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters of Kazakhstan and «Internews – Kazakhstan» have sent an open letter to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Karim Masimov and Chairman of Majilis of Parliament Nurlan Nigmatulin.
May, 21
There was a press conference «Why it is impossible to introduce a system of conditional access to national television channels» on May 21, 2012 in National Press Club. It was carried out by Executive Director of National Association of television and Radio Broadcasters of Kazakhstan Sholpan Zhaksybayeva, President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» Tamara Kaleyeva and Director of «Internews – Kazakhstan» Marzhan Elshibayeva. There was also a discussion of opinion, related to introduction of a system of conditional access to national television channels. Representatives of public media organizations – International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz», National Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters of Kazakhstan and «Internews – Kazakhstan» have sent an open letter to President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Karim Masimov and Chairman of Majilis of Parliament Nurlan Nigmatulin.
May, 03
The exhibition of caricatures was opened in Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The best caricatures were presented on the contest «Freedom of speech, which was expressed by language of caricature». It was devoted to World Press Freedom Day. Results of the contest were resumed and winners were awarded.
This contest was conducted by International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz», Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan and International Freedom of Expression Exchange Network (IFEX) on the eve of World Press Freedom Day. Journalists and media artists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia participated in it.
May, 02
There was a press conference in National Press Club on may 02, 2012. It was devoted to World Press Freedom Day. International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz», Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan; project coordinators of two international media non-governmental organizations (in particular, the global network for free expression, International Freedom of Expression Exchange Network (IFEX) and human rights organization «ARTICLE 19») conducted a press conference. Participants of the conference have told about the situation around freedom of press in Kazakhstan. They noted that the situation remains problematic and a low level of freedom of press in Kazakhstan; investigation of cases, related to attacks on journalists should be conducted thoroughly and criminals should be punished.
April, 26
There was a first session of working group, related to work on public draft law “On Access to Information” and accompanying law to it on April 26, 2012 in Development Program of United Nations. Representatives of Kazakhstan's and international human rights organizations, including the Head of Legal Service of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz” Ganna Krasilnikova participated in it. The Deputy of Majilis of Parliament Zhakyp Asanov took part in on-line discussion. Participants of working group have dealt with comparative table with additions to the draft law.
The draft law “On Access to Information” was drafted by initiative working group, directed by Deputy of Majilis of Parliament Zhakyp Asanov under coordination of Development Program of United Nations in Kazakhstan with participation of wide range of non-governmental organizations and experts. The draft law was discussed repeatedly during focus groups, public hearings and forums in towns of Kazakhstan during 2010 and 2011.
April, 20
There was a urgent press conference “On Attack on Journalist of the Newspaper “Uralskaya Nedelya” Lukpan Akhmedyarov” on April 20, 2012 in National Press Club in Almaty. The Chairman of Board of Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan Seitkazy Matayev and President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz” Tamara Kaleyeva have proclaimed the appeal to General Prosecutor and Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and disseminated the monitoring of attacks on journalists for 2010—2012 among participants of press conference.
April 09
There was a public dialogue, related to coverage of events in Zhanaozen and parliamentarian elections by media on television channel “STAN” in television workshop “Saygez”.
The President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz” Tamara Kaleyeva and Adviser to President of Kazakhstan of Political Affairs Ermukhamet Ertysbayev were invited for a dialogue. Ermukhamet Ertysbayev has been first. The most actual aspects of freedom of speech and expression in Kazakhstan were touched during sharp polemic.
March 31
There was a seminar “Digital Rights Advocacy Meeting” on March 29-31, 2012 in Budapest (Hungary). It was conducted by Center for Media and Communication Studies. There was a presentation of the report “Defamation Disputes in Kazakhstan” of Head of Legal Service of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz” Ganna Krasilnikova. It was made by materials of monitoring of violations of freedom of speech (this monitoring is implemented by foundation “Adil Soz” from 2000).
March 12
International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz”, Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan and IFEX have announced about public contest of caricatures “Freedom of Speech in the Language of Caricature” on the eve of World Press Freedom Day. We invite journalists and media artists to the contest. You should provide your works till April 15, 2012. Results of the contest will be summarized on May 03, 2012.
February 13
On February 13, 2012 the President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz” Tamara Kaleyeva participated in on-line marathon “Society and Power: Is a dialogue possible?” on the air of social and political website “J” (Guljan.org).
January 25
The International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz” and Union of Journalists of the Republic of Kazakhstan have addressed to General Prosecutor of the Republic of Kazakhstan Askhat Daulbayev regarding the detention of the editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Vzglyad” Igor Vinyavskiy.
If you are ready to join this address, send your signatures to info@adilsoz.kz.
To:
General Prosecutor of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Mr. А.К. Daulbayev
Dear Mr. Daulbayev,
Kazakhstan’s journalist community is very much concerned about the detention of the editor-in-chief of “Vzglyad” paper Igor Vinyavskiy. Lack of the official information generates various versions of the situation which do not contribute to strengthening of social stability and authority of the law enforcement system. Thus, for example, there is an opinion that the case on his indictment under article 170 part 2 of Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan has been already predetermined, there are falsified expert evaluations of publications in Vzglyad paper, detention of the editor-in-chief of an opposition paper will inevitably end with arrest and guilty verdict, which is aimed at frightening the journalists who dare criticize the government.
In order to avoid misinterpretation which deforms the public opinion and ensure the strictest compliance with the law with respect to Vinyavskiy, we request to:
1. Provide a maximal transparency on the case within which Vinyavskiy was detained, disclose the information relating to the search in the «Vzglyad» editorial office and detention of its editor-in-chief;
2. Disclose the titles of the materials published in «Vzglyad» which served as a basis for detaining Vinyavskiy, so that public representatives can make an independent expert evaluation of these texts;
3. Change the detention to recognizance not to leave.
President of the International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz”
Т. Kaleyeva
Chairman of Board of Kazakhstan Union of Journalists
S. Matayev
January 24
On January 24, 2012 the Chairman of Board of Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan Seitkazy Matayev, President of International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz” Tamara Kaleyeva and Lawyer Sergei Utkin have conducted a press conference in Almaty. This press conference was devoted to detention of editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Vzglyad” I. Vinyavskiy by KGB-agents. He was charged with public exhortations for the forcible seizure of power, forcible retention of power, disruption of the safety of the state, or forcible changing of the constitutional order. S. Matayev and T. Kaleyeva said that the prosecution of the newspaper “Vzglyad” and its editor-in-chief has been a continuation of long-term elimination of information field of the country.
January 19, 2012
On January 19, 2012 journalists of numerous regions of the country have met and gathered together in Almaty and took a decision about the establishment of Guild of Court Reporters of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The main task of Guild of Court Reporters of the Republic of Kazakhstan is a promotion of transparency of judiciary, enhancement of skill level of journalists, who focus on legal subjects, protection of rights of journalists and media outlets, specialized in the sphere of court essay and review.
The Chairman of the Board of Union of Journalists of the Republic of Kazakhstan Seyitkazy Matayev said about his willigness to provide a sponsor support for Guild of Court Reporters at first stage.
The journalist Alexander Gabchenko has been selected as Executive Director of of Guild of Court Reporters of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
January 13
There was educational seminar for journalists “What court reporter should know” on January 13, 2012 in Karaganda. More twenty regional media representatives participated in seminar. It was organized by International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz”, Union of Judges of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Karaganda Oblast Court.
The goal of seminar – is a establishment of contact between journalists and representatives of judicial system and enhancement of professional skills of journalists, who write on court theme. Correspondents make egregious mistake in their reviews from court room and even criminal chronicle from a lack of knowledge of special terms.
During final phase of seminar organizers proposed to create the Guild of Court Reporters of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is a public association which will assist journalists in increase of their legal knowledge, protect their rights and provide some privileges on information field for them. Presented journalists have approved it unanimously.
January 10
International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech “Adil Soz” and National Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters of Kazakhstan under support of Soros-Kazakhstan — Foundation have conducted round table, related to law “On Television and Radio Broadcasting”, which was passed by Parliament. Representatives of state bodies, Kazakhstan's and international non-governmental journalistic organizations and members of National Association of Television and Radio Broadcasters participated in round table. They have made some remarks of law, focusing on fault. They asked President of the Republic of Kazakhstan not to sign the law.
