The editor-in-chief of the independent publication Ulysmedia.kz, Samal Ibrayeva, has appealed to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to take control of the investigation into an incident she regards as a manifestation of digital violence in response to the editorial team’s professional work.
According to Ulysmedia.kz, following a series of threats against the journalist, a fake profile appeared on one of the intimate services websites using her name, photograph, and personal phone number.
Ibrayeva considers this a targeted attack aimed at undermining the reputation of the editorial team.
“We are an independent media outlet that raises tough questions only for the good of the people and the state. Millions of Kazakhstanis read and support us, so they view what happened as a threat and an attempt to pressure freedom of speech,” the statement reads.
According to the journalist, a criminal case was opened only five days after she filed her complaint.
“Something similar happened to me and my colleagues two years ago – the case only moved forward after the intervention of President Tokayev. I am also counting on the support of the head of state, as I believe that such pressure and threats against journalists contradict the principles he speaks about,” she stated.
Samal Ibrayeva has demanded that law enforcement authorities identify those involved in creating the fake profile, block the illegal content, and bring those responsible to justice.
Recall that on 5 June, the Specialised Interdistrict Court for Administrative Offences of Astana found guilty the founder of the FBRK and author of the Telegram channel “Kazakh Chuvash”, Kirill Pavlov, of disseminating false information on social networks.
The administrative case was opened in late May after the Ministry of Agriculture took the agricultural expert to court. The ministry accused Pavlov of spreading inaccurate information about a locust infestation on farmers’ fields and the state’s methods of pest control.
Following the ruling, the founder of the FBRK commented on the situation, calling the fine “a shot in the foot for the expert community”. In his opinion, a dangerous precedent has been created that could deter analysts from making forecasts and conducting critical analysis of official statistics. The expert noted systematic discrepancies between official data and reality in various areas – from grain yields to inflation indicators.