Temirlan Yensebek sentenced in high‑profile case ^{CEFR B2}

The prosecution of satirical activist and journalist Temirlan Yensebek has become a focal point for independent journalism and grassroots activism in Kazakhstan. Reporter Aisulu Toyshybek wrote about the case for Vlast.kz on April 15, 2025, and an edited version appeared on Global Voices; she observed the first two days of the trial from outside the courthouse.

Temirlan, 29, ran the Instagram satire account Qaznews24, which had about 75,000 followers. Authorities arrested him on January 17, 2025 and charged him under Article 174 with "inciting inter‑ethnic discord." A three‑day trial in Almaty proceeded with the defendant absent. On April 11 Judge Beinegul Kaisina sentenced him to five years of "restricted freedom" (a non‑custodial sentence) and imposed a ban on journalism and public engagement; other penalties were also included. Courtroom livestreaming and public access were denied.

Friends, members of Oyan, Qazaqstan!, and the Qaznews24 community campaigned for his release, bringing messages, food and supplies and attending court. Observers warned that measures such as banning livestreams and speeding the trial aimed to limit public attention. Temirlan warned in court that restrictions would make his colleagues afraid to do their work, and critics say the case pressures writers and artists to self‑censor and narrows public culture.