Human Rights Watch (HRW) has sharply criticized the Kazakhstan Ministry of Foreign Affairs for denying accreditation to 16 journalists from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Kazakh service, labeling the action as a "blatant" assault on press freedom. The refusal, according to HRW, signals an alarming increase in efforts to suppress independent media within the nation. Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director at HRW, views these rejections as a serious threat to journalistic freedom in Kazakhstan.

This recent denial of accreditation to Radio Azattyq journalists is part of a broader pattern of administrative harassment aimed at independent media outlets, which has been documented since 2022. Although previous decisions were overturned following legal challenges and international outcry, the recurring nature of these incidents points to a systemic issue.

HRW highlights that these actions by the Kazakh authorities breach international legal standards, specifically referencing Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Kazakhstan has ratified. This article upholds the rights to hold opinions without interference and to freely express, seek, receive, and impart information and ideas.

Williamson emphasized that "independent journalism is not a threat and should be protected, not restricted." He advocated for the immediate granting of accreditation to all impacted journalists and called on Kazakhstan's international partners to address this issue directly with the Kazakh government.

Earlier this month, Radio Azattyq reported that seven of their journalists had been denied accreditation, leading them to file an administrative lawsuit against the Ministry. The lawsuit argues that the Ministry's actions violate both Kazakhstan’s national laws and its constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression. Despite an offer for conciliation from the court, the Ministry declined to participate, with no hearing date currently set.

This situation has drawn international attention to Kazakhstan's press freedom record, prompting calls for a swift resolution to uphold the principles of free and independent media.