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Persecuted in Kazakhstan

Draft First minutes: what human rights defenders usually advise

Persecuted in Kazakhstan

Draft. Compiled from human rights groups' guides but not yet reviewed by a lawyer. This is not legal advice — check the linked sources and consult a lawyer.

  • Cases are most often brought for 'false information', 'inciting discord' and membership of a banned group ('Alga, Kazakhstan!'). Keep copies of your posts and do not delete them without legal advice.
  • Journalists and bloggers: Adil Soz. Activists and human rights defenders: Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Front Line Defenders (emergency grants).
  • Lawyers can lose their licence, as Gulnara Bazhkenova's defence counsel did. Use international mechanisms too: the UN Working Group found Marat Zhylanbayev's detention arbitrary.
  • Since 30 Dec 2025 'LGBT propaganda' is banned (fines, up to 10 days' detention); since 2026 the foreign-funding register is wider. Secure your accounts — Access Now can help.

current as of September 25. More: HRW: World Report 2026, Kazakhstan; IPHR: pressure on media and the 'LGBT propaganda' law

Who helps

5 organisations

Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law

Protects Russians in Kazakhstan from extradition and deportation and helps with asylum; also takes cases of Kazakh activists and journalists.

Helps people already in Kazakhstan; lawyer Artur Alkhastov advises Russians. Entering or transiting Kazakhstan is risky: since January 2026 the authorities have extradited and deported political refugees.

If Telegram doesn't open: Telegram channel @kibhr

Kazakhstan link checked September 25
Get in touch bureau.kz

Front Line Defenders

Emergency support for human rights defenders at risk: protection grants, secure contact, publicity and advocacy after detention.

For people targeted for peaceful human rights work, including activists and journalists.

If Telegram doesn't open: protection grants

worldwide
Get in touch frontlinedefenders.org

Lawyers for political cases →

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