Journalist Faces Legal Pressure Lawyer Disbarred

Recent actions in Kazakhstan have raised concerns regarding freedom of expression and the legal profession. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against journalist Gulnara Bazhkenova and her lawyer, Murat Adam, actions that observers suggest are intended to suppress independent journalism and discourage legal defense of journalists and human rights advocates.

Raids and Detentions

On December 1, 2025, coordinated police raids occurred at the offices of Orda.kz, an independent online media outlet, in Almaty and Astana, as well as at the home of its editor-in-chief, Gulnara Bazhkenova. During the searches, law enforcement prevented lawyers, including Murat Adam, from entering the premises and initially withheld search warrants. At the Almaty office, staff were compelled to open a safe, and authorities seized cash designated for salaries, computers, documents, and journalists’ mobile phones.

Bazhkenova, along with other Orda.kz staff members, including the heads of the Almaty and Astana offices, a news editor, and the outlet’s accountant, were taken to police stations for questioning. Bazhkenova was detained for approximately 11 hours without a formal detention protocol. Orda.kz staff were held for several hours before being released.

Criminal Charges and House Arrest

Following the raids, Bazhkenova was placed under house arrest for two months pending investigation. She was formally designated as a suspect in criminal cases related to the alleged “dissemination of false information” under Article 274 of the Criminal Code. The remaining staff members were released without charges. A complaint challenging the lawfulness of investigative measures against Orda.kz and Bazhkenova, filed by Murat Adam, was dismissed by the Bostandyk District Court of Almaty on December 10, 2025.

Disciplinary Action Against Lawyer

In December 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs submitted a report to the Ministry of Justice alleging professional misconduct by Murat Adam. Subsequently, on December 29, 2025, the Ministry of Justice filed a civil claim with the Bostandyk District Court of Almaty seeking the revocation of Adam’s license to practice law. The claim cited Adam’s public criticism of the searches against Bazhkenova and Orda.kz, alleging that his statements disseminated “inaccurate information” and discredited the investigation.

Dismissal from Media Outlet

As a result of her arrest, Bazhkenova was dismissed from her position as editor-in-chief of Orda.kz, despite owning 30% of the outlet’s shares. This action followed months of pressure against Bazhkenova and Orda.kz, including cyberattacks, hacking attempts, threats of violence, and disinformation campaigns.

Concerns and Calls for Action

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders has expressed deep concern over the prosecution and house arrest of Bazhkenova, characterizing them as a misuse of criminal law to suppress journalistic work. They are also alarmed by the proceedings against Adam, which seek to disbar him for actions integral to defending his client. These actions raise concerns about Kazakhstan’s compliance with international human rights standards regarding freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, and the independence of the legal profession.

The Observatory is urging authorities to guarantee the safety and integrity of Bazhkenova, Adam, and other journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders in Kazakhstan. They are calling for the immediate cessation of harassment, the lifting of Bazhkenova’s house arrest, the dropping of charges against her, and adherence to international human rights law.