Kazakh political parties demand release of jailed journalist
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 January 2009 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kazakh political parties demand release of jailed journalist, 30 January 2009, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/49904c591a.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| 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. |
January 30, 2009
Ramazan Esergepov
Several political parties in Kazakhstan have issued a statement demanding the immediate release of newspaper editor Ramazan Esergepov by the state security service (KNB).
RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports that leaders from six of the country's 10 officially registered political parties have signed the statement.
Esergepov, the chief editor of the weekly "Alma-Ata Info," was arrested on January 6 for allegedly disclosing state secrets in articles printed in his newspaper.
On January 27, Esergepov issued a statement asking Kazakh political parties to help secure his release and urging them to take steps to reform the KNB.
Rozlana Taukina, the chairwoman of Journalists in Trouble, told RFE/RL that Esergepov's arrest contradicts the constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech.
Kazakhstan is scheduled to chair the pan-European human rights watchdog, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, in 2010.
