Activist Detained in Kazakhstan for Posting Photo with Imaginary Placard

In Kazakhstan, activist Zhanbota Alzhanova was forcefully detained after posting a photo holding an empty placard. This was reported by Дождь.

The photo of the imaginary placard was shared by Alzhanova and another activist on May 6, with the caption: "What do you think, will we be arrested? It seems there is nothing provocative written on it." The activists posted the photo following the detention of another activist in Uralsk, who had taken to the streets with an empty placard.

During the detention, Alzhanova's phone was confiscated, and during the interrogation, she was asked about her program usage, political views, and any connections to extremists. Alzhanova was informed that she was being questioned as a witness.

Two hours later, the activist was allowed to contact her lawyer. Alzhanova refused to make any statements, claiming that she received bruises during her detention.

According to Дождь, Zhanbota Alzhanova assists other activists who are being prosecuted for violations during protests, delivering packages to them and attending court sessions.