Google machine translation
The right to believe, to worship and witness
The right to change one’s belief or religion
The right to join together and express one’s belief
KAZAKHSTAN: List of 192 known 2023 administrative prosecutions
The 192 known administrative prosecutions in 2023 for exercising freedom of religion or belief are listed here. More than one third punished individuals for posting religious materials on social media without state permission. A quarter punished individuals for offering religious literature for sale - in shops or online - without state permission. One individual and one charity were prosecuted for having religious books, although this is not an offence. The Information and Social Development Ministry (of which the Religious Affairs Committee is a part) claimed wrongly that there were only 139 such cases in 2023.
The regime is known to have brought at least 192 administrative prosecutions in 2023 - an average of 16 per month - to punish individuals and organisations for their exercise of freedom of religion or belief. This is the highest level of prosecution since 2017. Of these, 168 ended with convictions and punishments. Almost all of the punishments included fines of between several weeks' and several months' average wages.
More than a third of the 2023 cases were (as in previous years) to punish individuals for posting religious messages, texts and recordings on their social media accounts without state permission (see full list below).
The next biggest set of cases (as in previous years), a quarter of the 2023 total, punished individuals for offering religious literature for sale without state permission, either in shops or online (see full list below).
Just as in 2022, prosecutions were in 2023 brought for having religious books, although this is not an offence. One charity was acquitted, but an individual was fined (see full list below).
Commercial and private sellers, as well as Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses and Protestants, were among the individuals targeted in these prosecutions. Also targeted were business and charities. In one case, a religious picture seized from an individual offering it for sale online was ordered destroyed. Unlike in previous years, courts in 2023 are not known to have ordered religious literature to be destroyed (see full list below).
Muslims from the Dungan ethnic minority continue to be apparently disproportionately targeted in comparison to other people groups for teaching the Koran and Islam to local children without state permission.
The 192 known administrative cases in 2023 show an increase from 2022 in the number of prosecutions. However, the true number of such administrative cases is likely to be higher. The Information and Social Development Ministry (of which the Religious Affairs Committee is a part) claimed that there had been 139 such cases in 2023.
The 192 known 2023 administrative prosecutions for exercising freedom of religion and belief compare with:
- 144 in 2022;
- 130 in 2021;
- 134 in 2020;
- 168 in 2019;
- 171 in 2018;
- and 284 in 2017.
Punishments in 2023 included temporary bans on specified or unspecified activity, verbal reprimands, and fines for among other things posting religious materials online, selling Bibles, Korans, and icons online, as well as teaching children to read the Koran without state permission, trying to import religious books, and saying the word Amen in mosques – and even having religious books, although this is not an offence. One foreign citizen was ordered deported. In one case, a religious picture was ordered destroyed. Unlike in previous years, courts in 2023 are not known to have ordered religious literature to be destroyed (see full list below).
Fines are the most common punishment, with fines for individuals mostly being between three weeks' and two months' average wages. For pensioners and those without formal work, such fines can be a heavy burden. Individuals who are punished for offering religious materials for sale online often tell the courts that they are desperately short of money and are trying to sell any property they no longer need. This does not stop judges from fining them.
In addition to fines, courts often ban individuals from activity for three months. Sometimes the ban is unspecific, leaving individuals unclear about what they can and cannot do. In other cases courts ban specific activities, for example distributing religious materials (which is in any case illegal without state permission). The hardest-hitting bans are on those running shops, as a three-month ban leaves owners and employees with no income from the shop.
Neither the regime's Human Rights Commissioner Artur Lastayev, nor the regime's Religious Affairs Committee, nor police were willing to explain to Forum 18 why individuals and organisations continue to be punished for exercising freedom of religion or belief.
Such cases have continued in 2024. Six individuals are known to have been fined in 2024 for trying to bring religious literature into the country without state permission. On 1 April 2024, a religious affairs official in Almaty drew up a record of an offence against a Protestant, Sergei Orlov, who had spoken at a meeting of church members in a flat on 8 March to mark international women's day. The case has not yet been sent to court (see below).
The decision (echoing the wording of 3 other such decisions) noted that "the court took into account her identity, property situation, and in order to restore social justice, to educate her in the spirit of compliance with the requirements of laws and respect for law and order, as well as to prevent her from committing a new offence".
- 25 (20 individuals, 4 companies, and 1 charity) for meeting for worship without state permission, hosting such meetings, or maintaining places for such meetings (26 in 2022, 30 in 2021, 19 in 2020, 37 in 2019, 40 in 2018, 88 in 2017).
- 4 individuals for offering religious materials to others for free without state permission (1 in 2022, 3 in 2021, 4 in 2020, 15 in 2019, 10 in 2018, 39 in 2017).
- 2 (1 individual and 1 charity) for having religious literature (2 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 0 in 2019, 0 in 2018, 0 in 2017).
- 41 individuals for offering religious literature or other items for sale without state permission (31 in 2022, 18 in 2021, 26 in 2020, 30 in 2019, 34 in 2018, 58 in 2017).
- 7 individuals for online offering religious literature or other items for sale online without state permission (9 in 2022, 18 in 2021, 29 in 2020, 24 in 2019, 18 in 2018, 10 in 2017).
- 67 individuals for pposting religious materials online without state permission (54 in 2022, 40 in 2021, 28 in 2020, 33 in 2019, 23 in 2018, 12 in 2017).
- 7 individuals for trying to import religious literature without state permission (6 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 1 in 2020, 4 in 2019, 0 in 2018, 4 in 2017).
- 13 individuals for sharing faith with others without state permission (3 in 2022, 3 in 2021, 10 in 2020, 8 in 2019, 17 in 2018, 31 in 2017).
- 13 Muslims for praying in mosques in ways that the state-controlled Muslim Board has banned, for example by using the word "Amen" (3 in 2022, 12 in 2021, 9 (one twice) in 2020, 9 in 2019, 21 in 2018, 22 in 2017, the first year such punishments were imposed).
- 12 (10 individuals and 2 charities) for teaching their faith to children without state permission (8 in 2022, 6 in 2021, 7 in 2020, 4 in 2019, 3 in 2018, 2 in 2017).
- 1 individual for allowing children to be present or conducting religious rites against the wishes of one parent (0 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 1 in 2019, 1 in 2018, 9 in 2017).
All the 192 known 2023 cases were heard in court. Forum 18 is not aware of any fines summarily handed down by police in 2023 (0 in 2022, 2 in 2021, 3 in 2020, 20 in 2019).
No individuals are known to have been prosecuted in 2023 for trying to build a place of worship without state permission (1 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 0 in 2019, 0 in 2018, 0 in 2017).
No religious communities are known to have been prosecuted in 2023 for "inadequate" security or security measures for their places of worship, for example not having enough video cameras (0 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 2 in 2019, 2 in 2018, 5 in 2017).
No individuals are known to have been prosecuted in 2023 for failing to pay earlier fines to punish them for exercising the right to freedom of religion or belief without state permission (0 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 0 in 2019, 2 in 2018, 2 in 2017).
One foreign citizen is known to have been ordered deported in 2023 (2 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 0 in 2019, 1 in 2018, 2 in 2017).
At least six individuals are known to have been fined already in 2024 for trying to bring religious literature into the country without state permission.
On 1 April 2024, Almaz Zhanamanov of Almaty City Religious Affairs Department drew up a record of an offence under Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 against a Protestant, Sergei Orlov. He had spoken in a flat on 8 March to a group of church members who were meeting to mark international women's day. Orlov spoke of women in the Bible. He knew all of those present, except one man who filmed the meeting, Orlov told Forum 18.
On 13 March, a woman reported the meeting to the police, asking for the church to be investigated. The police passed the information to the city's Religious Affairs Department. On 1 April, Orlov was summoned to the Religious Affairs Department. Zhanamanov then drew up the record of an offence. The case has not yet reached Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court.
Orlov insists there was no reason for officials to bring a case against him and intends to challenge this in court.
Asked why he had drawn up the record of an offence, Zhanamanov refused to explain. "On all questions you should apply officially to the Department," he told Forum 18 on 5 April.
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Known convictions: 21
140 MFI fines (3 months' average wages): 3 fines
100 MFI fines (2 months' average wages): 2 fines
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 10 fines
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 6 fines
3-month bans on activity: 13 bans
Deportation: 1 deportation
Acquitted/case closed: 4
Muslims: 9
Baptists: 1
Protestants: 1
Jehovah's Witnesses: 1
Unknown faith: 1
Business owners/workers: 7
Companies: 4
Charities: 1
Administrative Code Article 489, Part 9 punishes "Leadership of an unregistered, halted, or banned religious community or social organisation" with a fine of 100 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 489, Part 10 punishes "Participation in an unregistered, halted, or banned religious community or social organisation" with a fine of 50 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1 punishes "violation of procedures established in law for conducting rites, ceremonies and meetings". Punishment for individuals is a fine of 50 MFIs, and for organisations a fine of 200 MFIs and a three-month ban on activity.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use". The punishment for individuals is a fine of 50 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 4 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. building places of worship (facilities), or changing the usage (altering the functional designation) of buildings (facilities) into ritual buildings (facilities)". The punishment for individuals is a fine of 50 MFIs.
AAdministrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan". The punishment is a fine of 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were mostly the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and four months' (200 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 15 March 2023
Asylbek Shalatayev, Muslim
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 4, police found he had set up a prayer room in a restaurant without state permission
35 MFI fine
2) 24 March 2023
Aibek Koshanov, Muslim
Shalkar District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, in the absence of mosque official and at the request of fellow worshippers, recited the call to prayer in the mosque without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on holding religious ceremonies
3) 27 March 2023
QazExpoCongress, company
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found it hosted 2 prayer rooms in business centre without state permission
200 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity (acquitted on appeal)
4) 28 March 2023
Astana Hub, company
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" claimed Astana Hub had hosted a prayer room without state permission
Acquitted
5) 5 April 2023
QazExpoCongress, company
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found QazExpo had set up a prayer room in a business centre without state permission. (The room was used by a visiting Iranian trade delegation.)
140 MFI fine
6) 6 April 2023
Gulomzhon Israilov, business owner
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, opened a Muslim prayer hall without state permission "so that people could come to pray"
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
7) 13 April 2023
Arsmane Marov, Muslim
Kordai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, without state permission had operated a Muslim prayer room in rented premises in a shopping centre
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on conducting religious rituals
8) 13 April 2023
Idris Mayankhu, Muslim
Kordai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, operated Muslim prayer room in cafe without state permission "because the visitors and employees of the café are religious people"
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on conducting religious rituals
9) 14 April 2023
Bobirzhan Nigmatulayev, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, held talks on the Koran in local mosque without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
10) 19 April 2023
Damir Abdulliyev, business owner
Aktau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, allowed guests at his restaurant to go to pray outside the building without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
11) 20 April 2023
Asylbek Sherbekov, Muslim
Saryagash Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 4, police found he had without state permission opened a prayer room at a bus station
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on prayer room
12) 5 May 2023
Yergali Amangeldiyev, commercial worker
Taraz Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found he had opened Muslim prayer room in tea house without state permission
Acquitted
13) 10 May 2023
Karaganda Charity
Karaganda Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police found YouTube video showing Muslim prayers for children living in charity residence
140 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
14) 22 May 2023
Zakirzhan Rozmetov, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, led night prayers without state permission during Ramadan in a mosque from which the Justice Department had removed state registration in July 2021
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on place of worship
15) 25 May 2023
Qazaqconcert, company
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, regional religious affairs department found that a concert agency had opened a prayer room in its offices without state permission
140 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on prayer room
16) 22 June 2023
Zhanbolat Duisembayev, commercial worker
Baizak District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 4, he opened Muslim prayer room and kiosk at his petrol station without state permission
50 MFI fine
17) 12 July 2023
Alizhon Usmanov, commercial worker
Baizak District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 4, he opened Muslim prayer room at rented cafe without state permission
50 MFI fine
18) 13 July 2023
Askat Dalimov, business owner
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 4, police found he had opened Muslim prayer room in business premises without state permission
35 MFI fine
19) 3 August 2023
Sultanmakhmut Alzhan, business owner
Oskemen Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, opened Muslim prayer room in entertainment centre without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
20) 22 August 2023
Abdujabbor Mulloyev, unknown faith
Saryagash District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, legally resident Tajik citizen held religious meetings in home without state permission
100 MFI fine plus deportation
21) 28 August 2023
Ulan Smagulov, Muslim
Oskemen Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found he had held meal at restaurant where prayers were said and texts of prayer distributed without state permission
35 MFI fine
22) 3 November 2023
Miram Balmagambetov, Protestant
Karaganda Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, read from Bible with friends in home to commemorate recently deceased relatives without state permission
100 MFI fine
23) 8 November 2023
Bekbol Idrysov, Muslim
Kordai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, led Friday prayers at unapproved Muslim prayer room without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
24) 21 November 2023
Anvar Mustafin, Jehovah's Witness
Zhezkazgan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police found his community had held meeting for worship in state-registered Jehovah's Witness premises
Acquitted
25) 11 December 2023
Sergei Ryakhov, Baptist
Khromtau District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police found he held meetings for worship of registered Truth Church in home without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
Known convictions: 3
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 2 fines
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
Acquittal/case closed: 1 case
Baptist: 2
Muslim: 2
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use". The punishment for individuals is a fine of 50 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan". The punishment is a fine of 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were mostly the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and four months' (200 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 28 April 2023
Serkali Kumargaliyev, Council of Churches Baptist
Karaganda Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered Bibles, New Testaments and other Christian literature on the street without state permission
35 MFI fine
2) 12 June 2023
Bakhtiyar Kudabayev, Muslim
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, gave about 10 copies of his religious book to friends at breaking the fast in cafe during Ramadan without state permission
Acquitted
3) 13 June 2023
Ali Nurabullayev, Muslim
Tupkaragan District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, while offering for sale household equipment, gave Muslim booklets to customers without state permission
50 MFI fine
4) 5 December 2023
Nikolai Popov, Council of Churches Baptist
Balkhash Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found him offering Christian literature on the street without state permission
50 MFI fine
Known convictions: 1
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
3-month bans on activity: 1 case
Acquittal/case closed: 1 case
Muslim: 1
Charity: 1
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use". The punishment for individuals is a fine of 50 MFIs, and for legal entities 200 MFIs.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
1) 23 May 2023
Otyrar charity
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found charity had 75 copies of a Muslim book without state permission
Acquitted
2) 15 August 2023
Zhansulu Magzomova, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, found at Atyrau railway station having brought 80 Kazakh-language books on the Koran on the train from Almaty without state permission
35 MFI fine (equivalent to three weeks' average wages for those in formal work) plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
Known convictions: 38
140 MFI fines (3 months' average wages): 2 fines
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 5 fines
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 31 fines
3-month bans on activity: 29 bans
1-month bans on activity: 2 bans
Bans on activity of unspecified length: 1 ban
Confiscation of literature/materials: 1 case
Acquittal/case closed: 3 cases
Commercial sellers: 41
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use".
The punishment for individuals is a fine of up to 50 MFIs, and for legal entities up to 200 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan".
The punishment is a fine of up to 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were mostly the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and four months' (200 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 6 January 2023
Serikkhan Zhakyp, commercial seller
Kyzylorda Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found he sold 2 and offered for sale 7 more Muslim books in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
2) 11 January 2023
Samga Publishing House, company
Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, officials found Samga offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission
140 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
3) 12 January 2023
Diana Kanabekova, commercial seller
Taldykorgan Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering Islamic books and items for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity (ban but not fine cancelled on appeal)
4) 13 January 2023
Zhibek Seyitbattalkyzy, commercial seller
Taldykorgan Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 2 books (which they claimed were religious) for sale in Muslim clothes shop without state permission
Acquitted (books were found to be about medicinal herbs and were not deemed religious)
5) 17 January 2023
Aitgul Amankulova, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, her employee was offering 16 religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
6) 1 February 2023
Gulnar Kabdesheva, commercial seller
Burabai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, official found her offering 1 copy of the Koran for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine
7) 3 February 2023
Orifzhon Khasantayev, seller
Sairam District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police and regional religious affairs department found him offering 7 Muslim books for sale from his home without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
8) 6 February 2023
Yerlan Zhaksylykov, seller
Kentau City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found his wife in the shop Muslim which he owns offering 218 Muslim books and items for sale without state permission
140 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
9) 7 February 2023
Karlygash Samuratova, seller
Kazaly District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found she had sold 1 Muslim book from home without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
10) 22 February 2023
Gulnazira Tulepbergenova, seller
Zhanakorgan District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found she had offered 5 religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
11) 1 March 2023
Damegul Baigelova, commercial seller
Taraz Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
12) 10 March 2023
Maral Asamuratova, commercial seller
Baikonur City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found she had sold 3 Islamic books (including "Marriage: According to the Hanafi School") in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
13) 10 March 2023
Bakhytkul Kosmambetova, commercial seller
Baikonur City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found she had sold 2 Islamic books and offered for sale 3 more in shop without state permission (local administration had told her she did not need permission to sell religious books)
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
14) 13 March 2023
Balzhan Kutzhan, commercial seller
Kentau City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 12 religious books and items for sale from home without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
15) 15 March 2023
Rakhat Kuanyshuly, commercial seller
Zhanakorgan District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found him offering 5 Islamic books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
16) 16 March 2023
Gulzhakan Aimanova, commercial seller
Aral District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering Islamic books (including "Let's learn to pray" and "Namaz during pregnancy") for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
17) 24 March 2023
Sakhan Zhanseitov, commercial seller
Arys District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, religious affairs officials found him offering religious literature for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
18) 29 March 2023
Nazerke Elubayeva, commercial seller
Baikonur City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 4 Islamic books for sale in "Muslim Items" shop without state permission
Acquitted (she was not the owner of the shop)
19) 30 March 2023
Sardarkhan Saidalimkhanov, commercial seller
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered religious books for sale in shop without state permission
50 MFI fine plus ban on unspecified activity of unspecified length
20) 12 May 2023
Asiya Kaltayeva, commercial seller
Kyzylorda Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found she had sold 1 religious book and offered for sale 5 others in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
21) 16 May 2023
Gulzhikhaz Kasenova, commercial seller
Taraz Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering for sale 5 religious books in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus confiscation of 6 books (handed to regional religious affairs department)
22) 25 May 2023
Raikul Oksimbayeva, commercial seller
Kyzylorda Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering for sale 5 Islamic books in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine
23) 5 June 2023
Sabirzhan Novruzov, commercial seller
Aktau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered for sale 5 books on the Koran in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
24) 5 June 2023
Rustambek Umurzakov, commercial seller
Keles DIstrict Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered religious books for sale in market without state permission
50 MFI fine
25) 6 June 2023
Nurzhan Talipov, commercial seller
Turkistan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered 40 Islamic books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine
26) 19 June 2023
Aigul Mataibayeva, commercial seller
Aktau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered for sale 1 Koran in shop in market without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
27) 1 August 2023
Nazarbak Pilal, commercial seller
Turkistan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found him offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
28) 8 August 2023
Rakiya Karatayeva, commercial seller
Karakiya District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police and regional religious affairs department found her offering 6 religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 1-month ban on operating shop
29) 15 August 2023
Aimkul Dzhamalbekova, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs department found her offering 7 religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 1-month ban on unspecified activity
30) 24 August 2023
Nurdulla Bekzhigitov, commercial seller
Turkistan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found him offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission (local administration had refused such permission)
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
31) 4 September 2023
Galym Kapanov, commercial seller
Tupkaragan District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs department found him offering 7 Korans and 1 "Fortress of a Muslim" for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine
32) 5 September 2023
Oringul Borankulova, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs department found her offering one religious book for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
33) 5 September 2023
Rabiga Burkitova, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs department found her offering one religious book for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
34) 6 September 2023
Saltanat Utkelbayeva, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs department found her offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
35) 13 September 2023
Zhanslu Urazgaliyeva, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered 40 religious books for sale in market without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
36) 2 October 2023
Almas Zhanbirbayev, commercial seller
Talgar District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered religious literature for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
37) 17 October 2023
Aibek Ozhken, commercial seller
Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered religious books and items for sale in shop without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on business activity
38) 19 October 2023
Marzhona Pardaboyeva, commercial seller
Munaily District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on business activity
39) 23 October 2023
Munira Ordabekova, commercial seller
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
40) 21 November 2023
Viktor Volkov, commercial seller
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found him offering for sale 1 religious book which had not passed through state censorship (14 others had undergone censorship) in Path to Oneself shop without state permission (officials https://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=1913raided the shop and court fined Volkov's father in 2013)
Acquitted because case filed too late
41) 27 November 2023
Amina Kanat, commercial seller
Taldykorgan Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering religious books for sale in shop in hotel without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
Known convictions: 6
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 6 fines
3-month bans on activity: 2 bans
Destruction of picture: 1 case
Acquitted/case closed: 1 case
Private sellers: 7
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use".
The punishment for individuals is a fine of up to 50 MFIs.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were the equivalent of three weeks' (35 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 14 February 2023
Zhanerke Imangaliyeva, seller
Baiterek District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 2 Islamic children's books ("How to pray the namaz" and "A treasure for young Muslims") for sale on Instagram site without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
2) 6 April 2023
Svetlana Kukushina, seller
Pavlodar Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 1 Children's Bible for sale on OLX for 3,000 Tenge without state permission ("Expert analysis" found that the Children's Bible was a religious book)
Acquitted
3) 19 May 2023
Viktor Vetrov, seller
Semei District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found him offering neck cross for sale on OLX without state permission ("Expert analysis" found that the cross was a religious item)
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
4) 22 May 2023
Anastasiya Didayeva, seller
Abai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering religious books and items for sale on Instagram site without state permission
35 MFI fine
5) 13 June 2023
Vasilisa Prima, seller
Kostanai Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 1 New Testament for sale on OLX for 2,000 Tenge at the request of her grandmother without state permission (Russian Orthodox priest confirmed in court that the book is religious and is used by Orthodox Christians)
35 MFI fine
6) 15 June 2023
Igor Azvestopulo, seller
Taraz Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found him offering for sale on OLX picture of an icon of the Virgin Mary without state permission
35 MFI fine plus destruction of picture
7) 3 November 2023
Galymzhan Shokanov, seller
Oral Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found him offering 94 religious books for sale on his Muslim Gifts page on Instagram without state permission
35 MFI fine
Known convictions: 66
70 MFI fines (6 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 16 fines
40 MFI fines (3 and a half weeks' average wages): 2 fines
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 46 fines
14 MFI fines (1 week's average wages): 1 fine
3-month bans on activity: 33 bans
Bans on activity of unspecified length: 1 ban
Acquitted/case closed: 1 case
Muslims: 58
Unknown faith: 9
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use".
The punishment for individuals is a fine of up to 50 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan".
The punishment is a fine of up to 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 8 punishes repeat violations of the Religion Law within one year, with fines on individuals of up to 200 MFIs.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were mostly the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and one months' (50 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 16 January 2023
Garifolla Shauenov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted religious material on his TikTok account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
2) 24 January 2023
Stakhan Rakhmetov, unknown faith
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted religious material on his VKontakte page without state permission
50 MFI fine
3) 27 January 2023
Rustam Sabitov, Muslim
Petropavl Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted verses from the Koran on his VKontakte page without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
4) 31 January 2023
Azat Suleimen, Muslim
Balkhash Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, shared Islamic audio and video files with 38 members of WhatsApp group without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
5) 31 January 2023
Azamat Utemisov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted recitations from the Koran and Islamic talks on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
6) 7 February 2023
Murat Zholdybayev, Muslim
Beineu District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, created 2 Telegram channels on Islam without state permission
70 MFI fine
7) 8 February 2023
Garifolla Salakhitdinov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted recitations from the Koran and Islamic talks on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
8) 14 February 2023
Omirserik Miyatbek, unknown faith
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found he had posted religious materials on his Facebook page without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
9) 14 February 2023
Zhumabek Tlekbayev, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted verses from the Koran on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
10) 23 February 2023
Elshat Nurmaganbetov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" and regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic talks on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
11) 27 February 2023
Zhanibek Aldakov, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted religious materials on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
12) 27 February 2023
Zhanibek Shamkulov, unknown faith
Kulsary District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted religious videos on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
13) 28 February 2023
Esenzhan Kadyrgaliyev, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted religious materials on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
14) 28 February 2023
Zhaksygul Zholamanova, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found she had posted hadiths on her VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
15) 6 March 2023
Zhasulan Birkulakov, unknown faith
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted videos of religious talks on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
16) 6 March 2023
Isa Nurgaziyev, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic talks before 2021 on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
17) 6 March 2023
Akbolat Zhangaliyev, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted videos of Islamic talks on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
18) 9 March 2023
Eldar Maratuly, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted hadiths on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
19) 9 March 2023
Akylbek Mukhayev, Muslim
Kulsary City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted videos of sermons by Naqshbandi preacher on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
20) 10 March 2023
Almas Zhantleuov, Muslim
Ualikhanov District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic materials on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine
21) 13 March 2023
Margulin Adayev, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted religious materials on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
22) 24 March 2023
Didar Ayapov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 453, Part 2, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted materials from Kashmir-based cleric Mufti Muhammad Ayoub Sahab Naqshbandi to his VKontakte page and YouTube channel which a state "expert analysis" had claimed call for violation of the rights of others
14 MFI fine
23) 30 March 2023
Serzhanbi Sarimsakov, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted religious materials on his Instagram account without state permission
50 MFI fine plus ban on unspecified activity of unspecified length
24) 31 March 2023
Orynbasar Taubayev, Muslim
Oral Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found he had posted a link to a channel explaining the umra pilgrimage to Mecca to a Telegram channel with 4 other subscribers without state permission
35 MFI fine
25) 31 March 2023
Aibek Tureshev, Muslim
Oral Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found he had posted Muslim materials to his Telegram account without state permission
35 MFI fine
26) 3 April 2023
Azamat Mukhidenov, Muslim
Oral Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found he had posted Islamic materials on his Telegram channel without state permission
35 MFI fine
27) 14 April 2023
Nazerke Dosanova, unknown faith
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, she posted religious videos and pictures on her VKontakte page "to increase people's religious literacy" without state permission
50 MFI fine
28) 2 May 2023
Berik Smailov, unknown faith
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted religious videos on his VKontakte page without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
29) 15 May 2023
Vadim Khazheyev, Muslim
Kostanai Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police (as part of the Migrant operational preventative measure) and regional religious affairs officials found the Russian citizen and Russian resident had posted Islamic audio and video recordings on WhatsApp without Kazakh state permission
50 MFI fine
30) 22 May 2023
Marat Agorynov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and encouragement to attend mosque on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine
31) 22 May 2023
Berik Zhumagaliyev, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted audio recordings of Koran verses and "gratitude to the Creator" on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
32) 23 May 2023
Eldar Sadykov, unknown faith
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted religious videos on a Telegram channel he created without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
33) 24 May 2023
Omirbek Dlmagambetov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted audio recordings of Koran verses and "expressing gratitude to the Creator" on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
34) 5 June 2023
Andrei Yakimov, unknown faith
Temirtau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted religious material on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
35) 21 June 2023
Gulnaz Suleimenova, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found she had posted Koran verses and other Islamic materials on her Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
36) 1 July 2023
Anuar Kanatov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic materials on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
37) 14 July 2023
Mukhametzhan Bilyalov, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted materials from the Naqshbandi order of Sufi Islam on his Tiktok account without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
38) 18 July 2023
Nurlan Togayev, unknown faith
Petropavl Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found he had posted religious audio and video files on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine
39) 2 August 2023
Bibigul Shaikhina, Muslim
Kokshetau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted Islamic materials on her Instagram account without state permission
50 MFI fine
40) 3 August 2023
Munir Akhmedziyanov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted audio recordings of Koran verses and hadiths on his VKontakte page without state permission
50 MFI fine
41) 9 August 2023
Tungishbai Zhalelov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted Koran verses, hadiths and other Islamic material on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
42) 10 August 2023
Gaukhar Khalidullina, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found she had posted audio recordings of Koran verses and hadiths on her VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
43) 11 August 2023
Samat Seisov, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted images of hadiths on his Instagram page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
44) 14 August 2023
Didar Batykhan, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and videos on his Instagram page without state permission
50 MFI fine
45) 15 August 2023
Babir Rustamov, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted Islamic visuals on his Instagram page without state permission
35 MFI fine
46) 17 August 2023
Amirzhanuli Adietov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and hadiths on his Instagram page without state permission
40 MFI fine
47) 21 August 2023
Aigerim Tilepbergenova, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found she had posted Koran verses on her VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
48) 22 August 2023
Zhalgas Khazangapov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and hadiths on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
49) 23 August 2023
Amirzhan Ziyabekov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found he had posted verses from the Koran and other Islamic materials on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
50) 23 August 2023
Medet Kosym, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted Islamic videos on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
51) 24 August 2023
Didar Ayapov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted a sermon by a local imam on his Tiktok account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
52) 28 August 2023
Dana Nasiyeva, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found she had posted Islamic talks and hadiths ("propaganda in the direction of Islam") on her VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
53) 28 August 2023
Baktybek Boranbayev, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic materials, including material from Kazakh Naqshbandi Sufi preacher Kurbanali Akhmedov (Kurbanali Akhmed Ishan), on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
54) 31 August 2023
Salamat Gabbasov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and hadiths on his VKontakte page without state permission
40 MFI fine
55) 31 August 2023
Zada Kuspanova, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found she had posted audio recordings of Koran verses and hadiths on her VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
56) 1 September 2023
Amandyk Kurakbayev, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted videos of sermons by imams of the state-controlled Muslim Board on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
57) 1 September 2023
Anuarbek Uteuliyev, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted verses from the Koran and hadiths on his Instagram page without state permission
50 MFI fine
58) 1 September 2023
Aslanbek Mukhanbetkaliyev, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and hadiths on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
59) 4 September 2023
Kanatbek Nukhov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted Koran verses and hadiths on his VKontakte page in 2017 without state permission
35 MFI fine
60) 8 September 2023
Sultan Suleimenov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses on his Instagram account without state permission
50 MFI fine
61) 12 September 2023
Sultan Tanatarov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police and regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic material on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
62) 13 September 2023
Ruslan Ayaganov, Muslim
Baikonur City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted sermons by Dilmurat Makhamatov and Nazratulla Abdukadyrov on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
63) 13 September 2023
Beisenbai Sabyrgaliyev, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted sermons and hadiths on his Facebook (or VKontakte) page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
64) 14 September 2023
Aslanbek Berdibek, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted translations of Koran verses and "commandments of the Prophet Muhammad" on his VKontakte page between 2015 and 2018 without state permission
50 MFI fine
65) 15 September 2023
Kairat Dospayev, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted recordings of Koran verses and hadiths on his Instagram page without state permission
50 MFI fine
66) 4 October 2023
Ruslan Ayaganov, Muslim
Baikonur City Court
Administrative Code Article 453, Part 1, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted sermons by Dilmurat Makhamatov and Nazratulla Abdukadyrov on his VKontakte page without state permission
Acquitted as already punished under a different Administrative Code Article
67) 21 December 2023
Aliya Tokkozhinova, Muslim
Karaganda Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, distributed the Islamic book "Fortress of a Muslim" on WhatsApp without state permission
35 MFI fine
Known convictions: 6
70 MFI fines (6 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 2 fines
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 2 fines
Verbal reprimand: 1 reprimand
3-month bans on activity: 2 bans
Confiscation of literature: 1 case
Acquitted/case closed: 1 case
Muslim: 4
Unknown faith: 3
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use".
The punishment for individuals is a fine of up to 50 MFIs.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were mostly the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and one months' (50 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 5 January 2023
Yeldos Kyrgyzbayev, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found 93 Arabic-language books about the Koran in his hand luggage
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
2) 16 January 2023
Saparbek Tengebekov, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found 24 Arabic-language Islamic books in his luggage
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
3) 24 March 2023
Ermek Toktonazar uulu, Muslim
Merke District Court
Administrative Code Article 453, Part 4, Kazakh customs found in luggage of Kyrgyz citizen 2 Kyrgyz-language Islamic books (banned in Kazakhstan) by members of the Kandhlawi family associated with Muslim missionary movement Tabligh Jamaat (banned in Kazakhstan as "extremist")
70 MFI fine plus confiscation of books
4) 13 April 2023
Batyr Urinbayev, unknown faith
Almaty Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found 42 religious books in his luggage when he arrived from Istanbul at Turkistan Airport
Acquitted
5) 25 September 2023
Chingizkhan Kabdulvakhitov, Muslim
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found 14 Islamic books (including 6 Korans) as he arrived from a pilgrimage to Mecca at Astana Airport
Verbal reprimand
6) 22 December 2023
Said Aytaliyev, unknown faith
Saryagash District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found Uzbek resident of neighbouring district of Uzbekistan had 10 religious books when crossing into Kazakhstan
35 MFI fine (no mention made of whether or not books to be returned)
7) 22 December 2023
Umidjon Egamberdiyev, unknown faith
Saryagash District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found Uzbek resident of Namangan Region of Uzbekistan had 27 religious books in car when crossing into Kazakhstan
35 MFI fine (no mention made of whether or not books to be returned)
Known convictions: 3
70 MFI fines (6 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 2 fines
Acquitted/case closed: 10 cases
Jehovah's Witness: 13
Administrative Code Article 449, Part 1 punishes: "Harassment in public places". The punishment is a warning or a fine of 5 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan".
The punishment is a fine of up to 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and six weeks' (70 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 3 March 2023
Larisa Belousova, Jehovah's Witness
Almaty Police
Administrative Code Article 449, Part 1, police accused the 75-year-old of "an illegal conversation with strangers on spiritual topics" without state permission
Warning (overturned by Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court on appeal)
2) 13 June 2023
Rauza Bayanova, Jehovah's Witness
Satpayev City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, shared faith on street without state permission
Acquitted
3) 14 June 2023
Balkiya Abysheva, Jehovah's Witness
Satpayev City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, shared faith on street without state permission
Acquitted
4) 21 June 2023
Ivan Pyatkov, Jehovah's Witness
Altai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police found he shared faith door to door without state permission
Acquitted
5) 29 June 2023
Saule Asainova, Jehovah's Witness
Sarykol District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, shared faith by letter without state permission
Acquitted
6) 4 July 2023
Svetlana Shmalei, Jehovah's Witness
Sarykol District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found she had shared faith by letter without state permission
Acquitted
7) 4 July 2023
Lyudmila Anfilofyeva, Jehovah's Witness
Altai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police and District Administration internal policy official found her sharing faith in block of flats without state permission
Acquitted
8) 12 July 2023
Zhangazy Biimbetov, Jehovah's Witness
Oskemen Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police and regional religious affairs official found him sharing faith with home owner without state permission
70 MFI fine
9) 18 August 2023
Timur Myrzabekov, Jehovah's Witness
Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police and regional religious affairs official found him sharing faith with home owners without state permission
Acquitted
10) 21 August 2023
Maksim Bakun, Jehovah's Witness
Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police and regional religious affairs official found him sharing faith with home owners without state permission
Acquitted
11) 4 September 2023
Kulbaran Akhmetova, Jehovah's Witness
Semei Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, shared faith with home owner without state permission
Acquitted
12) 9 November 2023
Anastasiya Ananyeva, Jehovah's Witness
Oskemen Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Oskemen Police "Struggle with Extremism and Terrorism Department" found Ananyeva and Gavrilenko (see below) sharing faith on street without state permission
35 MFI fine
13) 9 November 2023
Aleksandr Gavrilenko, Jehovah's Witness
Oskemen Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Oskemen Police "Struggle with Extremism and Terrorism Department" found the 73-year-old Gavrilenko and Ananyeva (see above) sharing faith on street without state permission
35 MFI fine
Known convictions: 12
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 1 fine
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 11 fines
Acquitted/case closed: 1 case
Muslims: 13
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2 punishes: "Impeding lawful religious activity as well as violation of the civil rights of physical persons on grounds of their religious views or insulting their feelings or profanation of items, buildings and places revered by followers of any religion, unless there are signs of criminally punishable actions". The regime regards saying the word "Amen" in mosques (used as a prayer by Sunni Hanbali Muslims) as one instance of this "offence".
The punishment for individuals is a fine of up to 50 MFIs, and for legal entities up to 200 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 8 punishes repeat violations of the Religion Law within one year, with fines on individuals of up to 200 MFIs.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and one months' (50 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 22 February 2023
Altynbek Begimov, Muslim
Kazaly District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, accused of saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque (he denied it)
35 MFI fine
2) 22 February 2023
Bereket Kadir, Muslim
Kazaly District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, accused of saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque (he denied it, insisting he whispered the word)
35 MFI fine
3) 22 February 2023
Samat Serikbayev, Muslim
Kazaly District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, accused of saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
4) 25 May 2023
Talgat Abuov, Muslim
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
5) 26 May 2023
Asylbek Tazhikenov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
6) 29 May 2023
Zhanibek Abdrasilov, Muslim
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
7) 29 May 2023
Ermek Kyrykbayev, Muslim
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
8) 5 June 2023
Dulat Appas, Muslim
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
9) 21 June 2023
Mukhammad Sayakhatuli, Muslim
Aktau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
10) 27 June 2023
Abylai Zharylgap, Muslim
Aktau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
11) 24 July 2023
Madiyar Sagimov, Muslim
Taldykorgan Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
Acquitted
12) 31 July 2023
Almaskhan Tulenov, Muslim
Zhetysai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
50 MFI fine
13) 16 November 2023
Samat Zakirov, Muslim
Ayagoz District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
Known convictions: 11
200 MFI fines (4 months' average wages): 1 fine
100 MFI fines (2 months' average wages): 3 fines
70 MFI fines (6 weeks' average wages): 5 fines
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 1 fine
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
3-month bans on activity: 2 bans
1-month bans on activity: 1 ban
Acquitted/case closed: 1 case
Muslim: 6
Unknown faith: 4
Charity: 2
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan".
The punishment is a fine of up to 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and two months' (100 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 6 March 2023
Nursultan Zhumabekuly, charity director
Ordabasy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police found teachers from local school giving Islamic lessons to children in Khanym Ana charity dormitory without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
2) 15 March 2023
Esimbek Kyiyskhan, Muslim
Semei Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught Islam to children in charity offices without state permission
100 MFI fine
3) 13 April 2023
Tsumre Shchimeyeva, Muslim
Kordai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught Arabic and Koran reading to children under 10 in her home without state permission
100 MFI fine
4) 16 May 2023
Samat Duzelbekov, charity director
Panfilov District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police found Zharkent charity giving Arabic and Islamic lessons to adults and children in charity dormitory without state permission
200 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
5) 26 May 2023
Zhaksylyk Ibrayev, Muslim
Kyzylorda Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police found him holding meetings each Thursday in his home to talk about the namaz and discuss material from "Risale-i Nur" (Messages of Light) by the late Turkish Muslim theologian Said Nursi without state permission
Acquitted (Ibrayev's earlier challenge to the police's record of an offence failed)
6) 7 June 2023
Dulat Berdikulov, Muslim
Kazygurt District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, National Security Committee (NSC) secret police found he taught the Koran to 34 children at madrassah in old mosque in village of Zhigergen, as head of a charitable foundation, without state permission
70 MFI fine
7) 15 June 2023
Izom Soniyev, Muslim
Petropavl Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught the Koran to children in his home without state permission
70 MFI fine
8) 31 July 2023
Savronbek Abdazimov, unknown faith
Turkistan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught religion to 63 teenagers, using literature that had not undergone state censorship
70 MFI fine
9) 22 August 2023
Aidarali Azhy, unknown faith
Saryagash District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police found he taught religion to children in his home without state permission
70 MFI fine
10) 20 September 2023
Akhmed Khusar, unknown faith
Kordai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught religion to children in his home without state permission
100 MFI fine
11) 21 September 2023
Shalkarbek Adyrbekov, Muslim
Turkistan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught religion in mosque to about 20 boys aged 10 to 15 at request of parents without state permission
70 MFI fine
12) 10 November 2023
Oryntai Yeshimov, unknown faith
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, taught religion in charity office to teenagers without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 1-month ban on unspecified activity
Known convictions: 1
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 1 fine
Jehovah's Witnesses: 1
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 7 punishes leaders of registered religious organisations who fail to abide by the Religion Law's requirement "to take measures not to allow the involvement and/or participation of under age children in the activity of the religious association when one of the parents or their other legal representatives objects".
The punishment is a fine of up to 50 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
1) 21 September 2023
Mikhail Amanov, Jehovah's Witness
Lisakovsk City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 7, failure to prevent child being present without permission of both parents
50 MFI (equivalent to one months' average wages) fine
(END)
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Almaty Specialised Inter-District Administrative Court
RFE/RL
The next biggest set of cases (as in previous years), a quarter of the 2023 total, punished individuals for offering religious literature for sale without state permission, either in shops or online (see full list below).
Just as in 2022, prosecutions were in 2023 brought for having religious books, although this is not an offence. One charity was acquitted, but an individual was fined (see full list below).
Commercial and private sellers, as well as Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses and Protestants, were among the individuals targeted in these prosecutions. Also targeted were business and charities. In one case, a religious picture seized from an individual offering it for sale online was ordered destroyed. Unlike in previous years, courts in 2023 are not known to have ordered religious literature to be destroyed (see full list below).
Muslims from the Dungan ethnic minority continue to be apparently disproportionately targeted in comparison to other people groups for teaching the Koran and Islam to local children without state permission.
The 192 known administrative cases in 2023 show an increase from 2022 in the number of prosecutions. However, the true number of such administrative cases is likely to be higher. The Information and Social Development Ministry (of which the Religious Affairs Committee is a part) claimed that there had been 139 such cases in 2023.
The 192 known 2023 administrative prosecutions for exercising freedom of religion and belief compare with:
- 144 in 2022;
- 130 in 2021;
- 134 in 2020;
- 168 in 2019;
- 171 in 2018;
- and 284 in 2017.
Punishments in 2023 included temporary bans on specified or unspecified activity, verbal reprimands, and fines for among other things posting religious materials online, selling Bibles, Korans, and icons online, as well as teaching children to read the Koran without state permission, trying to import religious books, and saying the word Amen in mosques – and even having religious books, although this is not an offence. One foreign citizen was ordered deported. In one case, a religious picture was ordered destroyed. Unlike in previous years, courts in 2023 are not known to have ordered religious literature to be destroyed (see full list below).
Fines are the most common punishment, with fines for individuals mostly being between three weeks' and two months' average wages. For pensioners and those without formal work, such fines can be a heavy burden. Individuals who are punished for offering religious materials for sale online often tell the courts that they are desperately short of money and are trying to sell any property they no longer need. This does not stop judges from fining them.
In addition to fines, courts often ban individuals from activity for three months. Sometimes the ban is unspecific, leaving individuals unclear about what they can and cannot do. In other cases courts ban specific activities, for example distributing religious materials (which is in any case illegal without state permission). The hardest-hitting bans are on those running shops, as a three-month ban leaves owners and employees with no income from the shop.
Neither the regime's Human Rights Commissioner Artur Lastayev, nor the regime's Religious Affairs Committee, nor police were willing to explain to Forum 18 why individuals and organisations continue to be punished for exercising freedom of religion or belief.
Such cases have continued in 2024. Six individuals are known to have been fined in 2024 for trying to bring religious literature into the country without state permission. On 1 April 2024, a religious affairs official in Almaty drew up a record of an offence against a Protestant, Sergei Orlov, who had spoken at a meeting of church members in a flat on 8 March to mark international women's day. The case has not yet been sent to court (see below).
"To restore social justice"?
The March 2023 court decision in the case of Bakhytkul Kosmambetova in Baikonur outlines the regime's excuses for punishing people for exercising freedom of religion or belief without state permission.The decision (echoing the wording of 3 other such decisions) noted that "the court took into account her identity, property situation, and in order to restore social justice, to educate her in the spirit of compliance with the requirements of laws and respect for law and order, as well as to prevent her from committing a new offence".
Known 2023 cases
There were 192 known administrative cases for exercising freedom of religion and belief in the 2023 calendar year:- 25 (20 individuals, 4 companies, and 1 charity) for meeting for worship without state permission, hosting such meetings, or maintaining places for such meetings (26 in 2022, 30 in 2021, 19 in 2020, 37 in 2019, 40 in 2018, 88 in 2017).
- 4 individuals for offering religious materials to others for free without state permission (1 in 2022, 3 in 2021, 4 in 2020, 15 in 2019, 10 in 2018, 39 in 2017).
- 2 (1 individual and 1 charity) for having religious literature (2 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 0 in 2019, 0 in 2018, 0 in 2017).
- 41 individuals for offering religious literature or other items for sale without state permission (31 in 2022, 18 in 2021, 26 in 2020, 30 in 2019, 34 in 2018, 58 in 2017).
- 7 individuals for online offering religious literature or other items for sale online without state permission (9 in 2022, 18 in 2021, 29 in 2020, 24 in 2019, 18 in 2018, 10 in 2017).
- 67 individuals for pposting religious materials online without state permission (54 in 2022, 40 in 2021, 28 in 2020, 33 in 2019, 23 in 2018, 12 in 2017).
- 7 individuals for trying to import religious literature without state permission (6 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 1 in 2020, 4 in 2019, 0 in 2018, 4 in 2017).
- 13 individuals for sharing faith with others without state permission (3 in 2022, 3 in 2021, 10 in 2020, 8 in 2019, 17 in 2018, 31 in 2017).
- 13 Muslims for praying in mosques in ways that the state-controlled Muslim Board has banned, for example by using the word "Amen" (3 in 2022, 12 in 2021, 9 (one twice) in 2020, 9 in 2019, 21 in 2018, 22 in 2017, the first year such punishments were imposed).
- 12 (10 individuals and 2 charities) for teaching their faith to children without state permission (8 in 2022, 6 in 2021, 7 in 2020, 4 in 2019, 3 in 2018, 2 in 2017).
- 1 individual for allowing children to be present or conducting religious rites against the wishes of one parent (0 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 1 in 2019, 1 in 2018, 9 in 2017).
All the 192 known 2023 cases were heard in court. Forum 18 is not aware of any fines summarily handed down by police in 2023 (0 in 2022, 2 in 2021, 3 in 2020, 20 in 2019).
No individuals are known to have been prosecuted in 2023 for trying to build a place of worship without state permission (1 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 0 in 2019, 0 in 2018, 0 in 2017).
No religious communities are known to have been prosecuted in 2023 for "inadequate" security or security measures for their places of worship, for example not having enough video cameras (0 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 2 in 2019, 2 in 2018, 5 in 2017).
No individuals are known to have been prosecuted in 2023 for failing to pay earlier fines to punish them for exercising the right to freedom of religion or belief without state permission (0 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 0 in 2019, 2 in 2018, 2 in 2017).
One foreign citizen is known to have been ordered deported in 2023 (2 in 2022, 0 in 2021, 0 in 2020, 0 in 2019, 1 in 2018, 2 in 2017).
Cases continue in 2024
Administrative cases continue to be brought in 2024 to punish the exercise of freedom of religion or belief.At least six individuals are known to have been fined already in 2024 for trying to bring religious literature into the country without state permission.
On 1 April 2024, Almaz Zhanamanov of Almaty City Religious Affairs Department drew up a record of an offence under Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 against a Protestant, Sergei Orlov. He had spoken in a flat on 8 March to a group of church members who were meeting to mark international women's day. Orlov spoke of women in the Bible. He knew all of those present, except one man who filmed the meeting, Orlov told Forum 18.
On 13 March, a woman reported the meeting to the police, asking for the church to be investigated. The police passed the information to the city's Religious Affairs Department. On 1 April, Orlov was summoned to the Religious Affairs Department. Zhanamanov then drew up the record of an offence. The case has not yet reached Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court.
Orlov insists there was no reason for officials to bring a case against him and intends to challenge this in court.
Asked why he had drawn up the record of an offence, Zhanamanov refused to explain. "On all questions you should apply officially to the Department," he told Forum 18 on 5 April.
==================================================
Full list of known 2023 administrative prosecutions
The list of 192 known administrative cases for exercising freedom of religion or belief in 2023 below is based on court decisions and other information known to Forum 18.- Punishing meetings, rituals held without state permission
Known administrative cases: 25Known convictions: 21
140 MFI fines (3 months' average wages): 3 fines
100 MFI fines (2 months' average wages): 2 fines
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 10 fines
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 6 fines
3-month bans on activity: 13 bans
Deportation: 1 deportation
Acquitted/case closed: 4
Muslims: 9
Baptists: 1
Protestants: 1
Jehovah's Witnesses: 1
Unknown faith: 1
Business owners/workers: 7
Companies: 4
Charities: 1
Administrative Code Article 489, Part 9 punishes "Leadership of an unregistered, halted, or banned religious community or social organisation" with a fine of 100 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 489, Part 10 punishes "Participation in an unregistered, halted, or banned religious community or social organisation" with a fine of 50 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1 punishes "violation of procedures established in law for conducting rites, ceremonies and meetings". Punishment for individuals is a fine of 50 MFIs, and for organisations a fine of 200 MFIs and a three-month ban on activity.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use". The punishment for individuals is a fine of 50 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 4 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. building places of worship (facilities), or changing the usage (altering the functional designation) of buildings (facilities) into ritual buildings (facilities)". The punishment for individuals is a fine of 50 MFIs.
AAdministrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan". The punishment is a fine of 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were mostly the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and four months' (200 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 15 March 2023
Asylbek Shalatayev, Muslim
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 4, police found he had set up a prayer room in a restaurant without state permission
35 MFI fine
2) 24 March 2023
Aibek Koshanov, Muslim
Shalkar District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, in the absence of mosque official and at the request of fellow worshippers, recited the call to prayer in the mosque without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on holding religious ceremonies
3) 27 March 2023
QazExpoCongress, company
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found it hosted 2 prayer rooms in business centre without state permission
200 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity (acquitted on appeal)
4) 28 March 2023
Astana Hub, company
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" claimed Astana Hub had hosted a prayer room without state permission
Acquitted
5) 5 April 2023
QazExpoCongress, company
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found QazExpo had set up a prayer room in a business centre without state permission. (The room was used by a visiting Iranian trade delegation.)
140 MFI fine
6) 6 April 2023
Gulomzhon Israilov, business owner
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, opened a Muslim prayer hall without state permission "so that people could come to pray"
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
7) 13 April 2023
Arsmane Marov, Muslim
Kordai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, without state permission had operated a Muslim prayer room in rented premises in a shopping centre
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on conducting religious rituals
8) 13 April 2023
Idris Mayankhu, Muslim
Kordai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, operated Muslim prayer room in cafe without state permission "because the visitors and employees of the café are religious people"
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on conducting religious rituals
9) 14 April 2023
Bobirzhan Nigmatulayev, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, held talks on the Koran in local mosque without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
10) 19 April 2023
Damir Abdulliyev, business owner
Aktau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, allowed guests at his restaurant to go to pray outside the building without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
11) 20 April 2023
Asylbek Sherbekov, Muslim
Saryagash Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 4, police found he had without state permission opened a prayer room at a bus station
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on prayer room
12) 5 May 2023
Yergali Amangeldiyev, commercial worker
Taraz Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found he had opened Muslim prayer room in tea house without state permission
Acquitted
13) 10 May 2023
Karaganda Charity
Karaganda Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police found YouTube video showing Muslim prayers for children living in charity residence
140 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
14) 22 May 2023
Zakirzhan Rozmetov, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, led night prayers without state permission during Ramadan in a mosque from which the Justice Department had removed state registration in July 2021
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on place of worship
15) 25 May 2023
Qazaqconcert, company
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, regional religious affairs department found that a concert agency had opened a prayer room in its offices without state permission
140 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on prayer room
16) 22 June 2023
Zhanbolat Duisembayev, commercial worker
Baizak District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 4, he opened Muslim prayer room and kiosk at his petrol station without state permission
50 MFI fine
17) 12 July 2023
Alizhon Usmanov, commercial worker
Baizak District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 4, he opened Muslim prayer room at rented cafe without state permission
50 MFI fine
18) 13 July 2023
Askat Dalimov, business owner
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 4, police found he had opened Muslim prayer room in business premises without state permission
35 MFI fine
19) 3 August 2023
Sultanmakhmut Alzhan, business owner
Oskemen Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, opened Muslim prayer room in entertainment centre without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
20) 22 August 2023
Abdujabbor Mulloyev, unknown faith
Saryagash District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, legally resident Tajik citizen held religious meetings in home without state permission
100 MFI fine plus deportation
21) 28 August 2023
Ulan Smagulov, Muslim
Oskemen Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found he had held meal at restaurant where prayers were said and texts of prayer distributed without state permission
35 MFI fine
22) 3 November 2023
Miram Balmagambetov, Protestant
Karaganda Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, read from Bible with friends in home to commemorate recently deceased relatives without state permission
100 MFI fine
23) 8 November 2023
Bekbol Idrysov, Muslim
Kordai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, led Friday prayers at unapproved Muslim prayer room without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
24) 21 November 2023
Anvar Mustafin, Jehovah's Witness
Zhezkazgan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police found his community had held meeting for worship in state-registered Jehovah's Witness premises
Acquitted
25) 11 December 2023
Sergei Ryakhov, Baptist
Khromtau District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police found he held meetings for worship of registered Truth Church in home without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
- Punishing offering free religious materials without state permission
Known administrative cases: 4Known convictions: 3
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 2 fines
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
Acquittal/case closed: 1 case
Baptist: 2
Muslim: 2
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use". The punishment for individuals is a fine of 50 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan". The punishment is a fine of 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were mostly the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and four months' (200 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 28 April 2023
Serkali Kumargaliyev, Council of Churches Baptist
Karaganda Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered Bibles, New Testaments and other Christian literature on the street without state permission
35 MFI fine
2) 12 June 2023
Bakhtiyar Kudabayev, Muslim
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, gave about 10 copies of his religious book to friends at breaking the fast in cafe during Ramadan without state permission
Acquitted
3) 13 June 2023
Ali Nurabullayev, Muslim
Tupkaragan District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, while offering for sale household equipment, gave Muslim booklets to customers without state permission
50 MFI fine
4) 5 December 2023
Nikolai Popov, Council of Churches Baptist
Balkhash Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found him offering Christian literature on the street without state permission
50 MFI fine
- Punishing having religious literature
Known administrative cases: 2Known convictions: 1
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
3-month bans on activity: 1 case
Acquittal/case closed: 1 case
Muslim: 1
Charity: 1
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use". The punishment for individuals is a fine of 50 MFIs, and for legal entities 200 MFIs.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
1) 23 May 2023
Otyrar charity
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found charity had 75 copies of a Muslim book without state permission
Acquitted
2) 15 August 2023
Zhansulu Magzomova, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, found at Atyrau railway station having brought 80 Kazakh-language books on the Koran on the train from Almaty without state permission
35 MFI fine (equivalent to three weeks' average wages for those in formal work) plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
- Punishing offering religious literature, items for sale, without state permission
Known administrative cases: 41Known convictions: 38
140 MFI fines (3 months' average wages): 2 fines
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 5 fines
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 31 fines
3-month bans on activity: 29 bans
1-month bans on activity: 2 bans
Bans on activity of unspecified length: 1 ban
Confiscation of literature/materials: 1 case
Acquittal/case closed: 3 cases
Commercial sellers: 41
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use".
The punishment for individuals is a fine of up to 50 MFIs, and for legal entities up to 200 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan".
The punishment is a fine of up to 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were mostly the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and four months' (200 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 6 January 2023
Serikkhan Zhakyp, commercial seller
Kyzylorda Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found he sold 2 and offered for sale 7 more Muslim books in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
2) 11 January 2023
Samga Publishing House, company
Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, officials found Samga offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission
140 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
3) 12 January 2023
Diana Kanabekova, commercial seller
Taldykorgan Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering Islamic books and items for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity (ban but not fine cancelled on appeal)
4) 13 January 2023
Zhibek Seyitbattalkyzy, commercial seller
Taldykorgan Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 2 books (which they claimed were religious) for sale in Muslim clothes shop without state permission
Acquitted (books were found to be about medicinal herbs and were not deemed religious)
5) 17 January 2023
Aitgul Amankulova, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, her employee was offering 16 religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
6) 1 February 2023
Gulnar Kabdesheva, commercial seller
Burabai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, official found her offering 1 copy of the Koran for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine
7) 3 February 2023
Orifzhon Khasantayev, seller
Sairam District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police and regional religious affairs department found him offering 7 Muslim books for sale from his home without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
8) 6 February 2023
Yerlan Zhaksylykov, seller
Kentau City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found his wife in the shop Muslim which he owns offering 218 Muslim books and items for sale without state permission
140 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
9) 7 February 2023
Karlygash Samuratova, seller
Kazaly District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found she had sold 1 Muslim book from home without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
10) 22 February 2023
Gulnazira Tulepbergenova, seller
Zhanakorgan District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found she had offered 5 religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
11) 1 March 2023
Damegul Baigelova, commercial seller
Taraz Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
12) 10 March 2023
Maral Asamuratova, commercial seller
Baikonur City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found she had sold 3 Islamic books (including "Marriage: According to the Hanafi School") in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
13) 10 March 2023
Bakhytkul Kosmambetova, commercial seller
Baikonur City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found she had sold 2 Islamic books and offered for sale 3 more in shop without state permission (local administration had told her she did not need permission to sell religious books)
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
14) 13 March 2023
Balzhan Kutzhan, commercial seller
Kentau City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 12 religious books and items for sale from home without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
15) 15 March 2023
Rakhat Kuanyshuly, commercial seller
Zhanakorgan District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found him offering 5 Islamic books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
16) 16 March 2023
Gulzhakan Aimanova, commercial seller
Aral District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering Islamic books (including "Let's learn to pray" and "Namaz during pregnancy") for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
17) 24 March 2023
Sakhan Zhanseitov, commercial seller
Arys District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, religious affairs officials found him offering religious literature for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
18) 29 March 2023
Nazerke Elubayeva, commercial seller
Baikonur City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 4 Islamic books for sale in "Muslim Items" shop without state permission
Acquitted (she was not the owner of the shop)
19) 30 March 2023
Sardarkhan Saidalimkhanov, commercial seller
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered religious books for sale in shop without state permission
50 MFI fine plus ban on unspecified activity of unspecified length
20) 12 May 2023
Asiya Kaltayeva, commercial seller
Kyzylorda Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found she had sold 1 religious book and offered for sale 5 others in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
21) 16 May 2023
Gulzhikhaz Kasenova, commercial seller
Taraz Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering for sale 5 religious books in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus confiscation of 6 books (handed to regional religious affairs department)
22) 25 May 2023
Raikul Oksimbayeva, commercial seller
Kyzylorda Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering for sale 5 Islamic books in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine
23) 5 June 2023
Sabirzhan Novruzov, commercial seller
Aktau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered for sale 5 books on the Koran in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
24) 5 June 2023
Rustambek Umurzakov, commercial seller
Keles DIstrict Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered religious books for sale in market without state permission
50 MFI fine
25) 6 June 2023
Nurzhan Talipov, commercial seller
Turkistan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered 40 Islamic books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine
26) 19 June 2023
Aigul Mataibayeva, commercial seller
Aktau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered for sale 1 Koran in shop in market without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
27) 1 August 2023
Nazarbak Pilal, commercial seller
Turkistan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found him offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
28) 8 August 2023
Rakiya Karatayeva, commercial seller
Karakiya District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police and regional religious affairs department found her offering 6 religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 1-month ban on operating shop
29) 15 August 2023
Aimkul Dzhamalbekova, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs department found her offering 7 religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 1-month ban on unspecified activity
30) 24 August 2023
Nurdulla Bekzhigitov, commercial seller
Turkistan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found him offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission (local administration had refused such permission)
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious literature
31) 4 September 2023
Galym Kapanov, commercial seller
Tupkaragan District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs department found him offering 7 Korans and 1 "Fortress of a Muslim" for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine
32) 5 September 2023
Oringul Borankulova, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs department found her offering one religious book for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
33) 5 September 2023
Rabiga Burkitova, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs department found her offering one religious book for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
34) 6 September 2023
Saltanat Utkelbayeva, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs department found her offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
35) 13 September 2023
Zhanslu Urazgaliyeva, commercial seller
Zhanaozen City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered 40 religious books for sale in market without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
36) 2 October 2023
Almas Zhanbirbayev, commercial seller
Talgar District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered religious literature for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
37) 17 October 2023
Aibek Ozhken, commercial seller
Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered religious books and items for sale in shop without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on business activity
38) 19 October 2023
Marzhona Pardaboyeva, commercial seller
Munaily District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on business activity
39) 23 October 2023
Munira Ordabekova, commercial seller
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, offered religious books for sale in shop without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
40) 21 November 2023
Viktor Volkov, commercial seller
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found him offering for sale 1 religious book which had not passed through state censorship (14 others had undergone censorship) in Path to Oneself shop without state permission (officials https://www.forum18.org/archive.php?article_id=1913raided the shop and court fined Volkov's father in 2013)
Acquitted because case filed too late
41) 27 November 2023
Amina Kanat, commercial seller
Taldykorgan Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering religious books for sale in shop in hotel without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
- Punishing offering religious literature, items for sale online
Known administrative cases: 7Known convictions: 6
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 6 fines
3-month bans on activity: 2 bans
Destruction of picture: 1 case
Acquitted/case closed: 1 case
Private sellers: 7
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use".
The punishment for individuals is a fine of up to 50 MFIs.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were the equivalent of three weeks' (35 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 14 February 2023
Zhanerke Imangaliyeva, seller
Baiterek District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 2 Islamic children's books ("How to pray the namaz" and "A treasure for young Muslims") for sale on Instagram site without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
2) 6 April 2023
Svetlana Kukushina, seller
Pavlodar Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 1 Children's Bible for sale on OLX for 3,000 Tenge without state permission ("Expert analysis" found that the Children's Bible was a religious book)
Acquitted
3) 19 May 2023
Viktor Vetrov, seller
Semei District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found him offering neck cross for sale on OLX without state permission ("Expert analysis" found that the cross was a religious item)
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
4) 22 May 2023
Anastasiya Didayeva, seller
Abai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering religious books and items for sale on Instagram site without state permission
35 MFI fine
5) 13 June 2023
Vasilisa Prima, seller
Kostanai Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found her offering 1 New Testament for sale on OLX for 2,000 Tenge at the request of her grandmother without state permission (Russian Orthodox priest confirmed in court that the book is religious and is used by Orthodox Christians)
35 MFI fine
6) 15 June 2023
Igor Azvestopulo, seller
Taraz Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found him offering for sale on OLX picture of an icon of the Virgin Mary without state permission
35 MFI fine plus destruction of picture
7) 3 November 2023
Galymzhan Shokanov, seller
Oral Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found him offering 94 religious books for sale on his Muslim Gifts page on Instagram without state permission
35 MFI fine
- Punishing posting religious materials online without state permission
Known administrative cases: 67Known convictions: 66
70 MFI fines (6 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 16 fines
40 MFI fines (3 and a half weeks' average wages): 2 fines
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 46 fines
14 MFI fines (1 week's average wages): 1 fine
3-month bans on activity: 33 bans
Bans on activity of unspecified length: 1 ban
Acquitted/case closed: 1 case
Muslims: 58
Unknown faith: 9
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use".
The punishment for individuals is a fine of up to 50 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan".
The punishment is a fine of up to 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 8 punishes repeat violations of the Religion Law within one year, with fines on individuals of up to 200 MFIs.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were mostly the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and one months' (50 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 16 January 2023
Garifolla Shauenov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted religious material on his TikTok account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
2) 24 January 2023
Stakhan Rakhmetov, unknown faith
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted religious material on his VKontakte page without state permission
50 MFI fine
3) 27 January 2023
Rustam Sabitov, Muslim
Petropavl Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted verses from the Koran on his VKontakte page without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
4) 31 January 2023
Azat Suleimen, Muslim
Balkhash Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, shared Islamic audio and video files with 38 members of WhatsApp group without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
5) 31 January 2023
Azamat Utemisov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted recitations from the Koran and Islamic talks on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
6) 7 February 2023
Murat Zholdybayev, Muslim
Beineu District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, created 2 Telegram channels on Islam without state permission
70 MFI fine
7) 8 February 2023
Garifolla Salakhitdinov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted recitations from the Koran and Islamic talks on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
8) 14 February 2023
Omirserik Miyatbek, unknown faith
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found he had posted religious materials on his Facebook page without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
9) 14 February 2023
Zhumabek Tlekbayev, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted verses from the Koran on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
10) 23 February 2023
Elshat Nurmaganbetov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" and regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic talks on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
11) 27 February 2023
Zhanibek Aldakov, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted religious materials on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
12) 27 February 2023
Zhanibek Shamkulov, unknown faith
Kulsary District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted religious videos on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
13) 28 February 2023
Esenzhan Kadyrgaliyev, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted religious materials on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
14) 28 February 2023
Zhaksygul Zholamanova, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found she had posted hadiths on her VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
15) 6 March 2023
Zhasulan Birkulakov, unknown faith
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted videos of religious talks on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
16) 6 March 2023
Isa Nurgaziyev, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic talks before 2021 on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
17) 6 March 2023
Akbolat Zhangaliyev, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted videos of Islamic talks on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
18) 9 March 2023
Eldar Maratuly, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted hadiths on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
19) 9 March 2023
Akylbek Mukhayev, Muslim
Kulsary City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted videos of sermons by Naqshbandi preacher on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
20) 10 March 2023
Almas Zhantleuov, Muslim
Ualikhanov District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic materials on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine
21) 13 March 2023
Margulin Adayev, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted religious materials on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
22) 24 March 2023
Didar Ayapov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 453, Part 2, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted materials from Kashmir-based cleric Mufti Muhammad Ayoub Sahab Naqshbandi to his VKontakte page and YouTube channel which a state "expert analysis" had claimed call for violation of the rights of others
14 MFI fine
23) 30 March 2023
Serzhanbi Sarimsakov, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted religious materials on his Instagram account without state permission
50 MFI fine plus ban on unspecified activity of unspecified length
24) 31 March 2023
Orynbasar Taubayev, Muslim
Oral Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found he had posted a link to a channel explaining the umra pilgrimage to Mecca to a Telegram channel with 4 other subscribers without state permission
35 MFI fine
25) 31 March 2023
Aibek Tureshev, Muslim
Oral Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found he had posted Muslim materials to his Telegram account without state permission
35 MFI fine
26) 3 April 2023
Azamat Mukhidenov, Muslim
Oral Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found he had posted Islamic materials on his Telegram channel without state permission
35 MFI fine
27) 14 April 2023
Nazerke Dosanova, unknown faith
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, she posted religious videos and pictures on her VKontakte page "to increase people's religious literacy" without state permission
50 MFI fine
28) 2 May 2023
Berik Smailov, unknown faith
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted religious videos on his VKontakte page without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
29) 15 May 2023
Vadim Khazheyev, Muslim
Kostanai Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police (as part of the Migrant operational preventative measure) and regional religious affairs officials found the Russian citizen and Russian resident had posted Islamic audio and video recordings on WhatsApp without Kazakh state permission
50 MFI fine
30) 22 May 2023
Marat Agorynov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and encouragement to attend mosque on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine
31) 22 May 2023
Berik Zhumagaliyev, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted audio recordings of Koran verses and "gratitude to the Creator" on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
32) 23 May 2023
Eldar Sadykov, unknown faith
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted religious videos on a Telegram channel he created without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
33) 24 May 2023
Omirbek Dlmagambetov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted audio recordings of Koran verses and "expressing gratitude to the Creator" on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
34) 5 June 2023
Andrei Yakimov, unknown faith
Temirtau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted religious material on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
35) 21 June 2023
Gulnaz Suleimenova, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found she had posted Koran verses and other Islamic materials on her Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
36) 1 July 2023
Anuar Kanatov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic materials on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
37) 14 July 2023
Mukhametzhan Bilyalov, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted materials from the Naqshbandi order of Sufi Islam on his Tiktok account without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
38) 18 July 2023
Nurlan Togayev, unknown faith
Petropavl Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police "Struggle with Extremism Department" found he had posted religious audio and video files on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine
39) 2 August 2023
Bibigul Shaikhina, Muslim
Kokshetau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted Islamic materials on her Instagram account without state permission
50 MFI fine
40) 3 August 2023
Munir Akhmedziyanov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted audio recordings of Koran verses and hadiths on his VKontakte page without state permission
50 MFI fine
41) 9 August 2023
Tungishbai Zhalelov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted Koran verses, hadiths and other Islamic material on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
42) 10 August 2023
Gaukhar Khalidullina, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found she had posted audio recordings of Koran verses and hadiths on her VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
43) 11 August 2023
Samat Seisov, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted images of hadiths on his Instagram page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
44) 14 August 2023
Didar Batykhan, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and videos on his Instagram page without state permission
50 MFI fine
45) 15 August 2023
Babir Rustamov, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted Islamic visuals on his Instagram page without state permission
35 MFI fine
46) 17 August 2023
Amirzhanuli Adietov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and hadiths on his Instagram page without state permission
40 MFI fine
47) 21 August 2023
Aigerim Tilepbergenova, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found she had posted Koran verses on her VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
48) 22 August 2023
Zhalgas Khazangapov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and hadiths on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
49) 23 August 2023
Amirzhan Ziyabekov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found he had posted verses from the Koran and other Islamic materials on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
50) 23 August 2023
Medet Kosym, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted Islamic videos on his Instagram account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
51) 24 August 2023
Didar Ayapov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted a sermon by a local imam on his Tiktok account without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
52) 28 August 2023
Dana Nasiyeva, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found she had posted Islamic talks and hadiths ("propaganda in the direction of Islam") on her VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
53) 28 August 2023
Baktybek Boranbayev, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic materials, including material from Kazakh Naqshbandi Sufi preacher Kurbanali Akhmedov (Kurbanali Akhmed Ishan), on his Facebook page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
54) 31 August 2023
Salamat Gabbasov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and hadiths on his VKontakte page without state permission
40 MFI fine
55) 31 August 2023
Zada Kuspanova, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found she had posted audio recordings of Koran verses and hadiths on her VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
56) 1 September 2023
Amandyk Kurakbayev, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted videos of sermons by imams of the state-controlled Muslim Board on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
57) 1 September 2023
Anuarbek Uteuliyev, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted verses from the Koran and hadiths on his Instagram page without state permission
50 MFI fine
58) 1 September 2023
Aslanbek Mukhanbetkaliyev, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses and hadiths on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine
59) 4 September 2023
Kanatbek Nukhov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, posted Koran verses and hadiths on his VKontakte page in 2017 without state permission
35 MFI fine
60) 8 September 2023
Sultan Suleimenov, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Koran verses on his Instagram account without state permission
50 MFI fine
61) 12 September 2023
Sultan Tanatarov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police and regional religious affairs officials found he had posted Islamic material on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
62) 13 September 2023
Ruslan Ayaganov, Muslim
Baikonur City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted sermons by Dilmurat Makhamatov and Nazratulla Abdukadyrov on his VKontakte page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
63) 13 September 2023
Beisenbai Sabyrgaliyev, Muslim
Zhilioi District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted sermons and hadiths on his Facebook (or VKontakte) page without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on distributing religious materials
64) 14 September 2023
Aslanbek Berdibek, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted translations of Koran verses and "commandments of the Prophet Muhammad" on his VKontakte page between 2015 and 2018 without state permission
50 MFI fine
65) 15 September 2023
Kairat Dospayev, Muslim
Kurmangazy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, using an automated program, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted recordings of Koran verses and hadiths on his Instagram page without state permission
50 MFI fine
66) 4 October 2023
Ruslan Ayaganov, Muslim
Baikonur City Court
Administrative Code Article 453, Part 1, regional religious affairs officials found he had posted sermons by Dilmurat Makhamatov and Nazratulla Abdukadyrov on his VKontakte page without state permission
Acquitted as already punished under a different Administrative Code Article
67) 21 December 2023
Aliya Tokkozhinova, Muslim
Karaganda Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, distributed the Islamic book "Fortress of a Muslim" on WhatsApp without state permission
35 MFI fine
- Punishing trying to import religious literature without state permission
Known administrative cases: 7Known convictions: 6
70 MFI fines (6 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 2 fines
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 2 fines
Verbal reprimand: 1 reprimand
3-month bans on activity: 2 bans
Confiscation of literature: 1 case
Acquitted/case closed: 1 case
Muslim: 4
Unknown faith: 3
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3 punishes: "Violating the requirements of the Religion Law for .. import, manufacturing, production, publication and/or distribution of religious literature and other religious materials, and items for religious use".
The punishment for individuals is a fine of up to 50 MFIs.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were mostly the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and one months' (50 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 5 January 2023
Yeldos Kyrgyzbayev, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found 93 Arabic-language books about the Koran in his hand luggage
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
2) 16 January 2023
Saparbek Tengebekov, Muslim
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found 24 Arabic-language Islamic books in his luggage
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
3) 24 March 2023
Ermek Toktonazar uulu, Muslim
Merke District Court
Administrative Code Article 453, Part 4, Kazakh customs found in luggage of Kyrgyz citizen 2 Kyrgyz-language Islamic books (banned in Kazakhstan) by members of the Kandhlawi family associated with Muslim missionary movement Tabligh Jamaat (banned in Kazakhstan as "extremist")
70 MFI fine plus confiscation of books
4) 13 April 2023
Batyr Urinbayev, unknown faith
Almaty Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found 42 religious books in his luggage when he arrived from Istanbul at Turkistan Airport
Acquitted
5) 25 September 2023
Chingizkhan Kabdulvakhitov, Muslim
Astana Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found 14 Islamic books (including 6 Korans) as he arrived from a pilgrimage to Mecca at Astana Airport
Verbal reprimand
6) 22 December 2023
Said Aytaliyev, unknown faith
Saryagash District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found Uzbek resident of neighbouring district of Uzbekistan had 10 religious books when crossing into Kazakhstan
35 MFI fine (no mention made of whether or not books to be returned)
7) 22 December 2023
Umidjon Egamberdiyev, unknown faith
Saryagash District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Kazakh customs found Uzbek resident of Namangan Region of Uzbekistan had 27 religious books in car when crossing into Kazakhstan
35 MFI fine (no mention made of whether or not books to be returned)
- Punishing sharing faith without state permission
Known administrative cases: 13Known convictions: 3
70 MFI fines (6 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 2 fines
Acquitted/case closed: 10 cases
Jehovah's Witness: 13
Administrative Code Article 449, Part 1 punishes: "Harassment in public places". The punishment is a warning or a fine of 5 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan".
The punishment is a fine of up to 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and six weeks' (70 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 3 March 2023
Larisa Belousova, Jehovah's Witness
Almaty Police
Administrative Code Article 449, Part 1, police accused the 75-year-old of "an illegal conversation with strangers on spiritual topics" without state permission
Warning (overturned by Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court on appeal)
2) 13 June 2023
Rauza Bayanova, Jehovah's Witness
Satpayev City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, shared faith on street without state permission
Acquitted
3) 14 June 2023
Balkiya Abysheva, Jehovah's Witness
Satpayev City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, shared faith on street without state permission
Acquitted
4) 21 June 2023
Ivan Pyatkov, Jehovah's Witness
Altai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police found he shared faith door to door without state permission
Acquitted
5) 29 June 2023
Saule Asainova, Jehovah's Witness
Sarykol District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, shared faith by letter without state permission
Acquitted
6) 4 July 2023
Svetlana Shmalei, Jehovah's Witness
Sarykol District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, police found she had shared faith by letter without state permission
Acquitted
7) 4 July 2023
Lyudmila Anfilofyeva, Jehovah's Witness
Altai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police and District Administration internal policy official found her sharing faith in block of flats without state permission
Acquitted
8) 12 July 2023
Zhangazy Biimbetov, Jehovah's Witness
Oskemen Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police and regional religious affairs official found him sharing faith with home owner without state permission
70 MFI fine
9) 18 August 2023
Timur Myrzabekov, Jehovah's Witness
Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police and regional religious affairs official found him sharing faith with home owners without state permission
Acquitted
10) 21 August 2023
Maksim Bakun, Jehovah's Witness
Almaty Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police and regional religious affairs official found him sharing faith with home owners without state permission
Acquitted
11) 4 September 2023
Kulbaran Akhmetova, Jehovah's Witness
Semei Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, shared faith with home owner without state permission
Acquitted
12) 9 November 2023
Anastasiya Ananyeva, Jehovah's Witness
Oskemen Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Oskemen Police "Struggle with Extremism and Terrorism Department" found Ananyeva and Gavrilenko (see below) sharing faith on street without state permission
35 MFI fine
13) 9 November 2023
Aleksandr Gavrilenko, Jehovah's Witness
Oskemen Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, Oskemen Police "Struggle with Extremism and Terrorism Department" found the 73-year-old Gavrilenko and Ananyeva (see above) sharing faith on street without state permission
35 MFI fine
- Punishing violating mosques' internal rules
Known administrative cases: 13Known convictions: 12
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 1 fine
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 11 fines
Acquitted/case closed: 1 case
Muslims: 13
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2 punishes: "Impeding lawful religious activity as well as violation of the civil rights of physical persons on grounds of their religious views or insulting their feelings or profanation of items, buildings and places revered by followers of any religion, unless there are signs of criminally punishable actions". The regime regards saying the word "Amen" in mosques (used as a prayer by Sunni Hanbali Muslims) as one instance of this "offence".
The punishment for individuals is a fine of up to 50 MFIs, and for legal entities up to 200 MFIs.
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 8 punishes repeat violations of the Religion Law within one year, with fines on individuals of up to 200 MFIs.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and one months' (50 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 22 February 2023
Altynbek Begimov, Muslim
Kazaly District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, accused of saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque (he denied it)
35 MFI fine
2) 22 February 2023
Bereket Kadir, Muslim
Kazaly District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, accused of saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque (he denied it, insisting he whispered the word)
35 MFI fine
3) 22 February 2023
Samat Serikbayev, Muslim
Kazaly District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, accused of saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
4) 25 May 2023
Talgat Abuov, Muslim
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
5) 26 May 2023
Asylbek Tazhikenov, Muslim
Atyrau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
6) 29 May 2023
Zhanibek Abdrasilov, Muslim
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
7) 29 May 2023
Ermek Kyrykbayev, Muslim
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
8) 5 June 2023
Dulat Appas, Muslim
Zhambyl District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
9) 21 June 2023
Mukhammad Sayakhatuli, Muslim
Aktau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
10) 27 June 2023
Abylai Zharylgap, Muslim
Aktau Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
11) 24 July 2023
Madiyar Sagimov, Muslim
Taldykorgan Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
Acquitted
12) 31 July 2023
Almaskhan Tulenov, Muslim
Zhetysai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
50 MFI fine
13) 16 November 2023
Samat Zakirov, Muslim
Ayagoz District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 2, saying the word Amen during prayers in mosque
35 MFI fine
- Punishing religious teaching of children without state permission
Known administrative cases: 12Known convictions: 11
200 MFI fines (4 months' average wages): 1 fine
100 MFI fines (2 months' average wages): 3 fines
70 MFI fines (6 weeks' average wages): 5 fines
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 1 fine
35 MFI fines (3 weeks' average wages): 1 fine
3-month bans on activity: 2 bans
1-month bans on activity: 1 ban
Acquitted/case closed: 1 case
Muslim: 6
Unknown faith: 4
Charity: 2
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3 punishes: "Carrying out missionary activity without state registration (or re-registration), as well as the use by missionaries of religious literature, information materials with religious content or religious items without a positive assessment from a religious studies expert analysis, and spreading the teachings of a religious group which is not registered in Kazakhstan".
The punishment is a fine of up to 100 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
In 2023, fines were the equivalent of between three weeks' (35 MFIs) and two months' (100 MFIs) average wages for those in formal work.
1) 6 March 2023
Nursultan Zhumabekuly, charity director
Ordabasy District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 1, police found teachers from local school giving Islamic lessons to children in Khanym Ana charity dormitory without state permission
50 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
2) 15 March 2023
Esimbek Kyiyskhan, Muslim
Semei Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught Islam to children in charity offices without state permission
100 MFI fine
3) 13 April 2023
Tsumre Shchimeyeva, Muslim
Kordai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught Arabic and Koran reading to children under 10 in her home without state permission
100 MFI fine
4) 16 May 2023
Samat Duzelbekov, charity director
Panfilov District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police found Zharkent charity giving Arabic and Islamic lessons to adults and children in charity dormitory without state permission
200 MFI fine plus 3-month ban on unspecified activity
5) 26 May 2023
Zhaksylyk Ibrayev, Muslim
Kyzylorda Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police found him holding meetings each Thursday in his home to talk about the namaz and discuss material from "Risale-i Nur" (Messages of Light) by the late Turkish Muslim theologian Said Nursi without state permission
Acquitted (Ibrayev's earlier challenge to the police's record of an offence failed)
6) 7 June 2023
Dulat Berdikulov, Muslim
Kazygurt District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, National Security Committee (NSC) secret police found he taught the Koran to 34 children at madrassah in old mosque in village of Zhigergen, as head of a charitable foundation, without state permission
70 MFI fine
7) 15 June 2023
Izom Soniyev, Muslim
Petropavl Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught the Koran to children in his home without state permission
70 MFI fine
8) 31 July 2023
Savronbek Abdazimov, unknown faith
Turkistan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught religion to 63 teenagers, using literature that had not undergone state censorship
70 MFI fine
9) 22 August 2023
Aidarali Azhy, unknown faith
Saryagash District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, police found he taught religion to children in his home without state permission
70 MFI fine
10) 20 September 2023
Akhmed Khusar, unknown faith
Kordai District Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught religion to children in his home without state permission
100 MFI fine
11) 21 September 2023
Shalkarbek Adyrbekov, Muslim
Turkistan Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 3, taught religion in mosque to about 20 boys aged 10 to 15 at request of parents without state permission
70 MFI fine
12) 10 November 2023
Oryntai Yeshimov, unknown faith
Shymkent Inter-District Specialised Administrative Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 1, Point 3, taught religion in charity office to teenagers without state permission
35 MFI fine plus 1-month ban on unspecified activity
- Punishing involvement of children
Known administrative cases: 1Known convictions: 1
50 MFI fines (1 month's average wages): 1 fine
Jehovah's Witnesses: 1
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 7 punishes leaders of registered religious organisations who fail to abide by the Religion Law's requirement "to take measures not to allow the involvement and/or participation of under age children in the activity of the religious association when one of the parents or their other legal representatives objects".
The punishment is a fine of up to 50 MFIs, with deportation if the individual is a foreign citizen.
The list below gives the date of initial decision by lower court or police, name of defendant, affiliation, court or police issuing decision, Administrative Code article, reason for prosecution, and outcome.
1) 21 September 2023
Mikhail Amanov, Jehovah's Witness
Lisakovsk City Court
Administrative Code Article 490, Part 7, failure to prevent child being present without permission of both parents
50 MFI (equivalent to one months' average wages) fine
(END)
More reports on freedom of thought, conscience and belief in Kazakhstan
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Latest Analyses
Latest News
4 April 2024
KAZAKHSTAN: 192 known administrative prosecutions in 2023
More than a third of the 192 known administrative prosecutions in 2023 for exercising freedom of religion or belief punished individuals for religious posts on social media without state permission. A quarter were punished for offering religious literature for sale - in shops or online - without state permission. One individual and one charity were prosecuted for having religious books, although this is not an offence. The Information and Social Development Ministry (of which the Religious Affairs Committee is a part) claimed wrongly that there were only 139 such cases in 2023.
24 January 2024
KAZAKHSTAN: "Harsh" Religion Law changes to reach parliament soon?
A draft Amending Law (seen by Forum 18) amending nine Codes and Laws on the exercise of freedom of religion or belief would, if adopted in its current form, impose new restrictions on the exercise of freedom of religion or belief. The head of the NSC secret police, Yermek Sagimbayev, has told deputies of the non-freely-elected parliament: "The initiative on the need to harshen legislation in the area of regulating religious activity has more than once been discussed at a government level."
27 September 2023
KAZAKHSTAN: Prisoners of conscience refused conditional early release
At least 3 of the 8 current known prisoners of conscience jailed for exercising freedom of religion or belief have had applications for conditional early release rejected on grounds their families regard as arbitrary. In June, a Kyzylorda court rejected Dadash Mazhenov's request, apparently citing his unpaid fees for the "expert analyses" used to convict him. "These fees were just an excuse," his family told Forum 18. The Head of Labour Camp No. 68, Kaiyrbek Ilyasov, refused to discuss why Mazhenov was refused conditional early release.