Since the beginning of the year in Kazakhstan, 17 people have been found guilty of committing terrorist and extremist crimes and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment. Several cases are linked to participation in hostilities abroad and the dissemination of radical ideology.
WHAT CASES HAVE BEEN HEARD BY THE COURTS
According to the National Security Committee (NSC), criminal cases were investigated this year, and as a result, courts have delivered guilty verdicts.
One of the convicted individuals is a resident of Almaty, who in 2017 went abroad to participate in hostilities on the side of international terrorist organisations. In 2025, he was detained abroad as part of joint operations between the NSC and foreign partners and was brought back to Kazakhstan. The court found him guilty of participating in terrorist activities and sentenced him to 8 years in prison.
Another convicted individual is a resident of Kokshetau, who left the country in 2013. According to the NSC, he engaged in promoting the ideas of terrorism and religious extremism on the internet. After being detained abroad, he was returned to Kazakhstan. The court sentenced the man to 9 years and 6 months in prison for promoting terrorism and inciting religious hatred.
WHO WAS DETAINED IN THE REGIONS
During the same period, in the cities of Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, as well as in the Akmola Region and the Ulytau Region, 6 people were detained. They are suspected of committing terrorist crimes.
Furthermore, another 4 people, already serving prison sentences, are accused of promoting terrorism and inciting religious hatred among inmates. According to the investigation, they distributed extremist materials on the internet and among their associates, and are alleged to have called for violence against individuals with different beliefs.
WHAT ARTICLES ARE BEING APPLIED
Pre-trial investigations are being conducted under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (CC RK) ("Incitement of social, national, clan, racial, class or religious hatred") and Article 256 of the CC RK ("Promotion of terrorism or public calls to commit an act of terrorism"). No further information on the cases is being disclosed in accordance with Part 1 of Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.