Kazakh film director detained in Iran for 'visa violation'
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 June 2018 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kazakh film director detained in Iran for 'visa violation', 22 June 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5bc04f88a.html [accessed 4 November 2019] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
June 22, 2018 13:05 GMT
By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service
The Kazakh Consulate in the northern Iranian city of Gorgan has said Kazakh filmmaker Qanat Beisekeev was detained by the Iranian authorities on suspicion of a "violation of visa regulations."
Consul Aitzhan Ydyrysuly told RFE/RL on June 22 that Beisekeev arrived in Gorgan on June 16 with two associates to shoot a film, but the three were detained because they did not have visas that allow filming in the country – known as a "journalism visa."
Ydyrysuly added that the consulate was working to locate the three Kazakh nationals and provide them with legal assistance.
Almaty-based public-relations specialist Alisher Elikbaev said earlier on June 22 that Beisekeev went to Gorgan to shoot a documentary about ethnic Kazakhs living there.
Kazakh Foreign Ministry press secretary Aibek Smadiyarov told RFE/RL that he had no information about the situation.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
