Criminal Case Opened Against Orazaly Yerzhanov for Alleged Election Interference

A criminal case has been initiated against public figure Orazaly Yerzhanov on charges of obstructing the exercise of electoral rights. The investigation stems from social media posts that allegedly contained calls to boycott an upcoming referendum.

Law enforcement authorities state that the discovered online publications contained what they deem to be unreliable information and appeals for a referendum boycott, which they claim misled the public. The investigation notes that foreign phone numbers were used in connection with these activities.

Officials emphasized that while expressing one's opinion is not prohibited by law, legal liability arises for the deliberate dissemination of false information, distortion of facts, misleading citizens, or obstructing the work of election commissions. The police are currently investigating Yerzhanov's publications.

Reports of Yerzhanov's detention emerged earlier, with journalist Gulzhan Yergaliyeva stating he was arrested for a 10-day period.

Orazaly Yerzhanov heads the public foundation Elge Qaitaru and has previously been critical of the draft new Constitution. He has raised questions regarding the legitimacy of the working group and Kurultai (assembly) involved in its preparation, as well as why the current discussion process is not as broad as it was during the constitutional process in 1993.

This development follows a statement from a deputy minister of internal affairs who claimed to have no information about citizens being prosecuted for criticizing the new Constitution.