Latvian-based Russian news portal blocked in Kazakhstan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 October 2014 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Latvian-based Russian news portal blocked in Kazakhstan, 30 October 2014, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/548ea68a19.html [accessed 29 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. |
October 30, 2014
By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service
An online Russian news portal based in Latvia has been blocked in Kazakhstan over an article described by Astana as "inflicting ethnic discord."
Kazakhstan's Investments and Development Ministry said on October 30 that the Meduza.io website published an article "propagating ethnic discord and threatening the territorial integrity" of Kazakhstan.
The article about ethnic Russians living in Kazakhstan's eastern city of Ust-Kamenogorsk (aka Oskemen) is titled: "Ust-Kamenogorsk People's Republic. Are Locals Ready For Polite Green Men?"
"Green Men" refers to the deployment in foreign countries of Russian military forces wearing unmarked green uniforms – as Russia has done in the past in regions of Georgia and Ukraine.
The ministry also has filed a lawsuit against Meduza.io in connection with the article.
It says the website will remain blocked in Kazakhstan until a local court rules in the case.
With reporting by Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
