International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) and Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law (KIBHR) are seriously concerned that a criminal case brought in Kazakhstan against activists protesting China’s repression of ethnic minorities is inconsistent with international human rights standards protecting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. The two organisations call for the dismissal of the charges and the release of activists.
On 13 November 2025, police detained 19 activists affiliated with the Atajurt movement when they staged a peaceful protest near the Kazakhstan–China border in Almaty region. The protestors aimed to draw attention to the persecution of ethnic Kazakhs in China and demand the release of Alimnur Turganbai, an ethnic Kazakh who left China’s Xinjiang region for Kazakhstan in 2017, but who was detained in July 2025 while travelling to China for work. His whereabouts and legal status in China remain unknown. In addition, the activists sought to voice concern over China’s growing political and economic influence in Kazakhstan.
During the protest, activists burned three small Chinese flags and a portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping, and stomped on them. Video recordings of the protest were shared through social media.
After being apprehended by police, 12 protesters were sentenced to between seven and 15 days of administrative detention, while others were fined under Article 434 of the Code of Administrative Offences (“petty hooliganism”). The following week, the authorities also initiated more serious charges against the activists under Article 174(2) of the Criminal Code, which criminalises “incitement” to ethnic, national, or other discord when committed by a group of people. This provision carries penalties of up to ten years’ imprisonment.
Thirteen activists were remanded in custody for 10 days, including Bekzat Maxutkhan, Baqytnur Nurmuqan, Batylbek Baigazy, Bedelkhan Qabileshim, Marghulan Nurdangazy, Beisenali Aqzhigit, Nurgeldi Nursapa, Erkinbek Nuraqyn, Ergali Nurlybayev, Erbol Nurlybayev, Tursynbek Qabi, Qanat Turdybai and Quandyk Qozhanov. Six others – Nazigul Maksutkhan, Gulnar Shaimurat, Guldariya Sherizat (Turganbai’s wife), Baqytzhan Shugyl, Asylkhan Kolkhaev and Ayan Kalymbet – were placed under house arrest. In late November 2025, the detentions and house arrests of the activists were extended by two months.
There are heightened concerns about the impact of these restrictions and the psychological stress affecting the targeted activists on the health and well-being of one of them – Nazigul Maksutkhan –who is heavily pregnant.
Prior to the opening of the criminal proceedings, China’s Consulate General in Almaty sent a diplomatic note to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (a copy of which has been seen by the organisations issuing this statement), raising concerns about the video of the protest shared on social media and requesting “appropriate measures” to investigate and address the incident. The indictment against the activists refers directly to this note.
The investigation has now been completed, and the case has been referred to court. The first hearing is scheduled to take place in the city of Taldykorgan on 21 January 2026.
Read the full article on Criminalising Peaceful Protest: Kazakhstan’s Case Against Atajurt Activists
