The representation of "Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty-Kazakhstan" (RFE/RL-Kazakhstan) has filed a lawsuit in the specialized interdistrict administrative court of Astana, Exclusive.kz reports.
In its lawsuit, the representation requests the recognition and cancellation of the decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan to refuse accreditation and its extension to the staff of the representation, deeming it unlawful.
The lawsuit against the ministry was filed after the editorial team of "Radio Azattyq – Kazakh Service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty" received a response from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan on January 3, stating that the "decision to refuse accreditation for 36 staff members of the representation has been made."
Lack of accreditation for foreign media and their journalists implies a prohibition on working within the territory of Kazakhstan. This is the result of amendments to the government bill "On Mass Media," introduced by deputies of the Kazakh Parliament - the Majilis.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 1, 2024