Kazakh Satirist Temirlan Yensebek Sentenced Over Social Media Post

February 04, 2025 – Kazakhstan – 

Temirlan Yensebek, a well-known Kazakh political satirist and founder of the Instagram page Qaznews24, was sentenced in April 2025 to five years of restricted freedom after being convicted of “inciting ethnic and religious hatred.” The charges stemmed from a satirical post mocking Russian media figure Tina Kandelaki’s comments about Kazakhstan. Yensebek’s account, known for humorous takes on current events, had posted a parody video that authorities claimed promoted social discord.

Yensebek was arrested on January 17, 2025, and tried under Article 174 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code, a broadly worded provision often used against critics and activists. The court’s ruling not only restricts his movement and requires constant monitoring but also prohibits him from engaging in public roles, giving interviews, or participating in demonstrations. The sentencing drew swift backlash from global human rights groups and press freedom watchdogs.

Amnesty International described the prosecution as a clear violation of Yensebek’s right to free expression, calling it an “alarming example of how satire is being criminalized in Kazakhstan.” Human Rights Watch echoed this, stating that the charge was overly vague and applied to silence critical commentary rather than to protect public order. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) demanded Yensebek’s immediate release and criticized Kazakhstan’s increasing use of legal tools to intimidate media figures and restrict speech.

Critics argue that this case reflects a broader trend in Kazakhstan, where authorities are using national security and incitement laws to silence dissent under the guise of maintaining unity. While the government claims it is protecting citizens from harmful rhetoric, many believe it is simply punishing those who use humor to challenge power.

Yensebek’s conviction comes amid growing concerns about declining freedoms in Central Asia. Despite Kazakhstan’s international commitments to uphold human rights, the state continues to clamp down on journalists, bloggers, and civil society. His case underscores the dangers faced by satirists and independent voices in repressive environments and serves as a sobering reminder of the shrinking space for free speech in the country.

Reference – 

Kazakhstan: Satirical blogger arrested for post: Temirlan Ensebek

https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/02/03/kazakhstan-founder-satirical-instagram-account-arrested

Kazakh political satirist Temirlan Yensebek arrested on incitement charges