Accessibility links

Breaking News

U.S. Embassy Concerned Over Imprisonment Of Kazakh Union Head, Son


Seitqazy Mataev was sentenced to six years in prison on October 3.
Seitqazy Mataev was sentenced to six years in prison on October 3.

The U.S. Embassy in Astana has expressed concerns over the conviction and imprisonment of the head of the Kazakh Journalists Union and his son.

Seitqazy Mataev and his son, Aset, the director of the KazTAG news agency, were sentenced on October 3 to six and five years in prison, respectively.

Both have denied the charges of misappropriation of funds and tax evasion.

The U.S. Embassy's statement on October 6 said the Mataevs' criminal convictions indicated "constraints on independent media and the implications for freedom of expression in Kazakhstan."

"We share international concern over the decreasing space for independent media in Kazakhstan. In the spirit of the U.S. partnership with Kazakhstan, we call on the government of Kazakhstan to uphold freedom of expression and due process for all citizens as fundamental democratic rights," the statement said.

  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL

    RFE/RL journalists report the news in 27 languages in 23 countries where a free press is banned by the government or not fully established. We provide what many people cannot get locally: uncensored news, responsible discussion, and open debate.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG