Head of Elge Qaitaru Foundation Detained for 10 Days After Night Raid

The head of the public foundation Elge Qaitaru, Orazaly Yerzhanov, has been detained for 10 days following a night-time search of his home. The information was reported by journalist Gulzhan Yergaliyeva.

According to Yergaliyeva's post, Yerzhanov's wife stated that he was taken away during the night and a search was conducted. The activist is currently not answering phone calls.

Orazaly Yerzhanov is known for his public criticism of the process surrounding the development of Kazakhstan's new Constitution. In recent statements, he questioned the legitimacy of the working group and Kurultai members involved in drafting the document.

"Who elected the members of this working group and the members of the Kurultai? What is the legitimacy of their status and the decisions they make? The nationwide discussion of the 1993 Constitution draft lasted about seven months with the participation of almost all citizens of the country. Why is there such distrust in the people of Kazakhstan now?" Yerzhanov was quoted as saying.

The detention comes just one day after a deputy minister of internal affairs stated he had no information about police pursuing individuals who criticize the new Constitution.