Journalists Detained As Kazakhstan Holds Controversial Referendum

"The draft constitution introduces major political changes, including replacing the bicameral parliament with a single-chamber legislature, eliminating self-nomination for deputies, and creating a new advisory body -- the People's Council -- with legislative initiative powers. It also grants the president authority to appoint key officials without parliamentary approval, a shift critics say would consolidate power in the executive branch while reducing legislative oversight."

"At Astana's Palace of Students, where President Qasym-Dzhomart Toqaev was scheduled to vote, plainclothes officers briefly detained several journalists, including RFE/RL reporter Zholdas Orisbayev and former Azattyq journalist Saniya Toiken. Witnesses said the detentions occurred shortly before Toqaev arrived at the polling station. The journalists were released after roughly three hours."

"If a journalist has an editorial assignment and official accreditation, no one has the right to restrict their work. The only circumstance under which a journalist could be accused of breaking the law is if they interfere with the electoral process."

Kazakhstan conducted a constitutional referendum on March 15 proposing major political restructuring. The new constitution replaces the bicameral parliament with a single-chamber legislature, eliminates self-nomination for deputies, and establishes a People's Council with legislative initiative powers. The president gains authority to appoint key officials without parliamentary approval, significantly consolidating executive power. The referendum occurred amid media restrictions and journalist detentions, including RFE/RL and independent media reporters. Election monitors from Mukalmas were denied entry to polling stations. Legal experts and press freedom organizations criticized these actions as interference with journalistic work and democratic processes.

Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty