Kazakhstan's new parliament restricts journalists' access to officials
In the Kurultai, questions are allowed only at scheduled briefings. An off-topic question brings a warning; two violations mean a 6-month loss of accreditation.
After Kazakhstan's new unicameral parliament, the Kurultai, began its work, rules were introduced restricting journalists' access to deputies and government officials inside the parliament building. Reporters may now speak with them only during scheduled briefings in the press centre; previously accredited journalists could question deputies freely in the halls and corridors.
Rules and penalties
Under the new order, questions are limited to the topic of the briefing. For a question the moderator deems off-topic, a journalist receives a warning; two violations lead to the loss of accreditation for six months.
The journalists' response
According to the free-speech foundation Adil Soz, a petition signed by 40 journalists was sent to Kurultai chairman Aibek Dadebai on 20 October. It requested permission to ask questions outside briefings and press conferences and more freedom to put 'unscheduled' questions.
International criticism
Domestic media-rights organisations and international press-freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), criticised the measures, arguing that they reduce journalistic scrutiny of elected representatives and limit public accountability. The groups called on the government of Kazakhstan to withdraw the new rules.
