A resident of Astana has been sentenced to 2.5 years of restricted freedom for incitement to violence and mass riots, circulated in a WhatsApp group for truck drivers.
According to Tengrinews.kz, in September 2023, a 40-year-old man, while in his dormitory room after consuming alcohol, recorded and sent two voice messages to the drivers' chat. In them, he suggested that group members drive their trucks to the government district, block the roads, and bring weapons. He reacted in this way to the automated vehicle weighing system launched in the capital, which had caused discontent among carriers.
After 15–20 minutes, realising the inappropriateness of what he had said, the man deleted the audio messages and went to sleep. However, there was an undercover police officer in the group monitoring the correspondence. He managed to listen to, save, and forward the messages.
Initially, an administrative case was opened against the man, for which he was arrested for 15 days. Later, a criminal investigation began. In court, the defendant pleaded guilty, explaining that he had acted under the influence of emotions and while intoxicated, without any real intention of organising violence or mass riots. He also expressed remorse.
However, the results of a judicial psychological and philological examination showed that his statements contained wording inciting the use of force. Consequently, the court classified the defendant's actions under Part 3 of Article 272 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Incitement to active disobedience to lawful demands of authorities and to mass riots, or provocation of mass riots, as well as incitement to violence against citizens").
Taking into account mitigating circumstances — namely, having two minor nephews as dependants, positive character references, and admission of guilt — the court sentenced the man to restricted freedom for a term of 2 years and 6 months.