The criminal case against journalist Botagoz Omarova was dropped after the publication of an official retraction regarding the case surrounding LLP 'VD Stroy-Inzhiniring'. Earlier, a criminal case had been investigated against her under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ('Dissemination of knowingly false information'), and the court had imposed a measure of restraint in the form of house arrest.
WHAT IS KNOWN
The criminal case against journalist Botagoz Omarova has been dropped, reported Vlast.kz, citing lawyer Tolkyn Abilova.
'The criminal case has been dropped, the decision has been agreed with the prosecutor, and all restrictions have been lifted,' the lawyer stated.
WHAT THE RETRACTION STATES
According to the published information letter, between 20 February and 7 March 2026, Botagoz Omarova posted publications on the Instagram account 101tv.kz and the Telegram channel 'Aitpa, Botagoz'. In them, it was alleged that LLP 'VD Stroy-Inzhiniring' and its director A. Ye. Ussimbekov had supposedly not paid money to employees of LLP 'Remstroy-1', who were involved in the construction of an equestrian sports complex in Astana.
The journalist stated she had been shown documents confirming the absence of debt.
'Nevertheless, I continued to publish inaccurate information. My motivation was largely driven by a desire to attract new subscribers and heighten the interest of my existing audience in the topic,' the statement reads.
In her address, Omarova apologised to the company, its founders, and her own audience. She also stated that she understands she violated Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
CONTEXT
On 20 March 2026, journalist Botagoz Omarova was invited for a conversation at the police department of Astana city. Within a few hours, the journalist's procedural status changed. Initially, Omarova was involved in the case as a witness with the right to legal defence; she was then recognised as a suspect under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
At night, around 01:30, the court imposed a measure of restraint in the form of house arrest for a period of two months. Between 03:00 and 05:00 on 21 March, a search was conducted at the journalist's apartment.
Earlier, the journalist's lawyer, Tolkyn Abilova, reported that Botagoz Omarova's house arrest period had been extended until 21 June 2026.