Kazakhstan: Think before you post: Closing down social media space in Kazakhstan

The rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly came under renewed attack in Kazakhstan in 2015 and 2016, as authorities worked to “close down” social media as a space where people can exercise their right to express critical opinions, seek and receive information, and organize peaceful protest. Authorities used administrative and criminal sanctions against people who used social media and messaging apps to organize peaceful demonstrations against unpopular legal changes, or to voice their opposition. This included the criminal prosecution of human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience Maks Bokaev and Talgat Ayan.

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