The editorial team of AIRAN has announced the cessation of its activities after a two-week break. The team stated that it will no longer produce content in its previous format or under its existing brand.
WHAT HAPPENED
As reported by the project’s editor-in-chief, Dauren Merkeyev, in a farewell broadcast on YouTube, the decision to cease operations was taken jointly with co-founder Marzhan Yelshibayeva. This is due to the "impossibility of continuing work under the current circumstances", although specific details are not disclosed.
For two weeks, the team attempted to stabilise the situation, but ultimately decided to shut down.
"Four years ago, against the backdrop of the war and Kanter, we chose principles that have guided us all these years. We sincerely tried to follow them, but to our deep regret, this has now become impossible. The situation in the world and in the country is what it is, and we cannot ignore it," the official statement reads.
Dauren Merkeyev clarified that the project’s difficulties did not arise immediately but accumulated over time. According to him, at a certain point it became clear that continuing to work in the previous mode was no longer feasible.
REACTION TO RUMOURS
Furthermore, he separately refuted widespread speculation about potential detentions of editorial staff.
The editorial team also stated that information alleging the project was financed by Dariga Nazarbayeva does not correspond to reality.
FAREWELL ADDRESS FROM THE TEAM
In a message to the audience, the team thanked viewers and noted that they see the project's conclusion as a natural process.
"Projects come and projects go. AIRAN was a really cool project. We are grateful to the people who supported us all this time and, more importantly, who had our backs. And, of course, we are very grateful to the viewers who wrote to us," stated AIRAN.