Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva has responded to the ongoing criminal investigations involving the leadership of independent news agencies KazTAG and Orda.kz, emphasizing that government bodies can only defend media rights when outlets operate within the law.

Balayeva shared her comments in a Facebook post, stressing that once a dispute enters the legal domain, any ministry involvement could be interpreted as interference in the judiciary, according to Fergana News.

“It’s essential that all administrative and criminal proceedings involving journalists are conducted publicly, objectively, and without external pressure,” Balayeva stated.

“We value freedom of speech, but it must exist within a legal framework. Transparency remains a key safeguard for journalists.”

Legal actions against journalists

In early December, Orda.kz Editor-in-Chief Gulnara Bazhkenova was placed under house arrest for two months while under investigation for allegedly “repeatedly and deliberately spreading false information.”

Shortly after, criminal proceedings were also launched against KazTAG Director-General Aset Matayev and Editor-in-Chief Amir Kasenov, following a complaint from Freedom Finance. The company accused the agency of publishing reports about alleged fraudulent schemes.

Allegations of political pressure

KazTAG’s editorial team called the charges an attempt at intimidation and political pressure. The agency suggested the involvement of presidential administration figures and remnants of the so-called “old Kazakhstan” in a broader campaign against independent media.