CPJ Calls for Restoration of RFE/RL Journalists’ Accreditation in Kazakhstan
astana, dinsdag, 19 augustus 2025.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urges Kazakh authorities to restore the accreditation of 16 RFE/RL journalists, which has been revoked since June. This action precedes an expected court ruling on the media outlet’s appeal, scheduled for today. The CPJ emphasises the urgency of this measure in light of the strict media law from 2024, which significantly restricts the operations of foreign journalists in Kazakhstan.
Urgent Call from CPJ
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urges Kazakh authorities to restore the accreditation of 16 RFE/RL journalists, which has been revoked since June. This action precedes an expected court ruling on the media outlet’s appeal, scheduled for today. The CPJ emphasises the urgency of this measure in light of the strict media law from 2024, which significantly restricts the operations of foreign journalists in Kazakhstan [1].
Context and Background
RFE/RL, also known as Radio Azattyq in Kazakhstan, is one of the most influential independent news sources in the country. In January 2024, 36 Azattyq journalists were denied accreditation following a court case where the media outlet was convicted of disseminating ‘false information’. In July 2025, the accreditation for 16 Azattyq journalists was again rejected, seriously jeopardising the future of the media outlet [2][3].
Impact on Journalism and Press Freedom
The revocation of accreditation has a significant impact on journalistic activities in Kazakhstan. According to Torokul Doorov, director of Radio Azattyq, it is ‘very difficult’ for journalists not to become activists in the face of ‘injustice and wrongdoings’. Doorov describes the situation as a moment when you ‘just want to start shouting’ [2]. The media law from 2024 strengthens the authorities’ power to deny or revoke accreditation, leading to increasing restrictions on press freedom in the country [1].
International Reactions
International organisations and media have spoken out about the situation. The CPJ has sent emails to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan urging the restoration of accreditation and ensuring press freedom. Gulnoza Said, CPJ’s Europe and Central Asia program coordinator, stresses that RFE/RL plays a crucial role in Kazakhstan’s media landscape and that authorities must stop intimidating the media outlet [1][2].
Future Outlook
The expected court ruling on RFE/RL’s appeal will be crucial for the future of independent journalism in Kazakhstan. Edil Baisalov, editor-in-chief of Azattyq, warns that the closure of the media outlet would almost mark the end of independent journalism in the country. Despite the challenges, young journalists in the team continue to encourage him [2].