Daniyar Adilbekov
Kazakh journalist, author of Telegram-channel “Dikaya Orda” (Wild Horde)
Serves a 4.5 years term in general-regime correctional colony
Adilbekov was charged under Article 419(3) (knowingly false report of a crime) and Article 274(2)(3) (dissemination of knowingly false information)of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan for posts on his Telegram channel Dikaya Orda (“Wild Horde”) reporting on corruption. The case was initiated following statements by El Media editor-in-chief G. Ergalieva, Astana Airport Board Chairman Yusuf Rashed Mohammed Al Javder, and Deputy Energy Minister E. Akkenzhenov mentioned in the post. He accused Adilbekov and his informant, oil trader Yerlan Saudegerov, of slander and making a false report over the journalist’s post.
Numerous procedural violations were reported during the investigation. During a search of Adilbekov’s apartment, security officers seized the phones of his wife and five-year-old daughter, who had no connection to the case. Adilbekov has described the charges as politically motivated and fabricated. In May 2024, more than a dozen Kazakhstani journalists appealed to President Tokayev and security agencies, calling for his release and a transparent investigation. The prosecution asked for 5-year term. On October 18, 2024, the Astana court sentenced D. Adilbekov to four and a half years’ imprisonment. The verdict of the first-instance court was upheld on appeal by the Astana court on January 29, 2025.
General-regime correctional colony in Pavlodar, no exact details
No reliable information available
