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February 12, 2026 – Kazakhstan –
International rights watchdog FIDH (International Federation for Human Rights) has condemned what it describes as ongoing judicial harassment against Kazakh journalist Gulnara Bazhkenova, warning that the legal actions taken against her represent a broader crackdown on independent journalism and dissent in Kazakhstan. The case has drawn attention from press freedom advocates who say Bazhkenova’s prosecution signals a deteriorating environment for media professionals in the country.
Bazhkenova, a prominent investigative reporter and editorial figure known for covering corruption, governance, and civic issues, has faced a series of legal pressures over recent years that rights groups characterise as punitive and politically motivated. According to FIDH, these pressures include defamation suits, criminal charges, and civil proceedings initiated after her reporting exposed sensitive or critical material about state actors and influential interests.
At the centre of the current proceedings is a criminal defamation complaint brought by a public official who has sued Bazhkenova over articles alleging misconduct and abuse of office. Prosecutors have pursued the case under statutes critics say are overly broad and open to misuse against journalists who publish unwelcome scrutiny of powerful figures. FIDH asserts that the charges are disproportionate and constitute a form of legal intimidation that undermines press freedom protections.
In parallel civil actions, Bazhkenova has faced demands for large monetary damages based on allegations of reputational harm, further straining her professional standing and financial resources. FIDH’s analysis notes that these combined legal pressures create a chilling effect, where the threat of protracted litigation and significant penalties can dissuade journalists from pursuing investigative work on public interest issues.
Human rights defenders involved in the case argue that Bazhkenova’s prosecution mirrors broader patterns in Kazakhstan, where legal mechanisms such as defamation laws, economic disputes, and administrative proceedings have been used against civil society activists and independent media. They assert that such legal harassment is part of a systemic strategy to suppress dissenting voices and control public narratives, rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.
FIDH has called on Kazakh authorities to drop all charges against Bazhkenova and to reform laws that allow for criminal defamation and broad interpretations of reputational harm — legal tools that can be, and have been, misused to target journalists. The organisation also urged international bodies and press freedom networks to monitor the case and advocate for upholding standards of free expression as outlined in international human rights instruments.
Press freedom advocates stress that ensuring a safe and independent environment for journalists is vital for transparent governance and democratic accountability. They warn that continued judicial pressure on Bazhkenova and others like her could deepen self-censorship and diminish the capacity of Kazakh media to investigate and report on matters of national importance.
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