The Monitoring of violations of freedom of speech in Kazakhstan in September 2000

I. The peculiarities of political social and administrative climate in the country, which determine the actual state of mass media

II. Violation of mass media and journalists’ rights

Legislation changes, which worsen state of mass media

Assault on a journalist

Hindering of legal professional activity of journalists

Violation of citizens’ rights for free reception of information

Groundless demands to censor information

Groundless refusal to present information

Groundless demands on non-dissemination of information

Groundless demands on mandatory publication

Groundless demands on disclosure of information source

Violations of norms of law “On languages in the RK”

Not taking measures on reports of mass media about conclusion of violation of law

Groundless refusal to attend trial session

III. Violations, incriminated to mass media and journalists

Accusations in infringement of honor and dignity of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Violation of set order of initiation of criminal case on accusation in slander and insult

Demands on protection of honor, dignity and business reputation, resulting from fact of publication of particular information

Groundless demands, resulting from fact of publication of official report

Suspension of examination of a civil case on protection of honor, dignity and business reputation

Leaving lawsuit on civil case on protection of honor, dignity and business reputation without examination

Accusations of unfair advertising

Requirements following from infringement of copyrights

The Monitoring was prepared according to reports of the correspondents of the Foundation “Adil soz” and mass media.  The comments made by the legal service of the Foundation “Adil soz”.  Tel/fax: 508957.  E-mail: kaleyeva@adilsoz.kz