The International Press Institute expresses disappointment in sentence passed on the head of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan and urges the authorities to set him free immediately

Almaty. October 7. Silkroadnews – The International Press Institute IPI has criticized the sentence the Kazakhstani court passed on the head of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan Seitkazy Matayev and his son, «KazTAG» news agency general director, Asset Matayev.

«We are very disappointed in this decision (sentence on the Matayevs – Silkroadnews) and urge the authorities to set the journalists free immediately», IPI Director of Advocacy and Communications Steven M. Ellis said.

According to IPI, the media freedom in Central Asia is restricted. The experts predict further deterioration of the situation with the independent media.

In her turn, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović believes that the harsh sentence passed on the Matayevs may interfere with pluralism development in media field.

«By no means I would dare infringing on independence of the judicial system in Kazakhstan, but I was shocked by the harsh sentence (on the Matayevs – Silkroadnews). This may pose a threat to media freedom in the country», D.Mijatović said.

According to her, «this sentence could result in closure of the National Press Club's media platform and have a negative impact on pluralism in the media in Kazakhstan».

In addition, the press attaché of the US Embassy in Kazakhstan Wren Elhai said the sentence on the head of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan and the General Director of KazTAG demonstrated measures the authorities applied to independent media.

«We express our concern about the measures applied regarding the independent media, as well as the consequences they bring for the freedom of speech in Kazakhstan, what, in particular, has been demonstrated in case of sentence on Seitkazy Matayev and his son Asset. (...) Their sentences, as well as the previous hearings, have raised serious questions about the objectivity and compliance with the procedures stipulated by the law in the course of this case investigation», the embassy said in a statement released on Thursday.

It is noted in the text, «those who worked with them (the Matayevs – Silkroadnews), speak of them with respect and mark their important contribution to the development of independent media in Kazakhstan».

«We share the international community's concerns about the restrictions imposed on the independent media in Kazakhstan. In the spirit of partnership we urge the government of Kazakhstan to support the citizens' rights to freedom of expression and proper legal protection which are the fundamental democratic rights», the embassy said.

It has been reported earlier that on October 3 the court found the head of the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan Seitkazy Matayev guilty of fraud and tax evasion and charged him with six years' imprisonment with confiscation of property. The court has also charged «KazTAG» news agency General Director Asset Matayev with five years' imprisonment with confiscation of property.