Blogger Nikolai Ginyatov has been fined 200 MCI (786,400 tenge) in a libel case brought by the Deputy Akim of Kostanay Region, Gulbaram Musagazina. The relevant ruling was issued by the Auliekol District Court.
According to the Telegram channel «HALYQSTAN», Musagazina filed a lawsuit demanding that information disseminated by Ginyatov in a number of publications be declared false and damaging to her honour and dignity.
In his materials, the blogger linked the deputy akim's name to corruption in the healthcare system of Kostanay Region. In particular, he claimed that the misuse of budget funds in the procurement of medical equipment, as well as financial and legal violations, could not have occurred without the official's knowledge.
The court was presented with an analysis of the materials published by Ginyatov. According to its findings, they generally supported the plaintiff's position. At the same time, the blogger himself insisted that no facts of deliberate falsehood had been established in his publications.
Ginyatov also stated that the information which was the subject of the court proceedings should have been subject to verification and cross-checking. However, according to him, this was not done, and therefore he considered his guilt unproven. At the same time, the analysis established "signs of belittlement of the honour and dignity" of Musagazina.
Following the case review, the Auliekol District Court found Nikolai Ginyatov guilty of libel using the media, combined with an accusation of corruption. The court sentenced him to a fine of 200 MCI, payable to the state.