SATIRICAL BLOGGER ARRESTED FOR POST [Kazakhstan 21.25]

Dear Mr. Karipbekov,

I am writing to express my deep concern over the prosecution of blogger, Temirlan Ensebek. On January 17, 2025, he was arrested and charged under Article 174 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code on vague and politically motivated accusations of “inciting interethnic discord.”

The charges stem from a January 2024 post on Qaznews24 that included the Kazakh song “Yo, Oryslar” (“Yo, Russians”) in response to statements made by a Russian TV presenter. This song was not banned by authorities until after Temirlan’s detention — raising serious concerns about selective enforcement and politically motivated prosecution.

This is not the first time the Kazakhstani authorities have targeted Temirlan Ensebek for exercising his right to freedom expression, nor is it the first time Article 174 has been used to suppress dissent. Temirlan Ensebek’s prosecution is an act of retaliation for his activism and a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression in Kazakhstan.

I urge you to take all necessary steps to ensure Temirlan Ensebek’s immediate and unconditional release, that all charges against him are dropped, and that his right to continue his activities without undue restrictions is guaranteed.

Yours sincerely,