Kazakhstan: Journalist Marina Nizovkina Appeals to President for Protection Amid Police Pressure
Local police department persistently harass the journalist because of her reporting
Location: Kazakhstan, Shymkent
Date: November 17, 2023
The Coalition For Women In Journalism expresses deep concern for well-known reporter Marina Nizovkina who has made a public appeal for protection following intimidation by police. CFWIJ has documented a concerning increase in attacks against women journalists in Kazakhstan in 2023. This marks the second case involving the police. We demand Nizovkina’s plea be taken seriously, she and her family should be provided protection, and her allegations of police harassment must be investigated.
“I’m afraid to go home late from work in the evening, I’m afraid to drive my car,” says journalist Marina Nizovkina in her video, appealing to the President for protection following pressure from local police in Shymkent.
The reporter has faced police pressure and legal harassment due to her coverage of road safety issues and alleged violations by drivers and police officers in the region. In her appeal to President Kasim-Jomart Tokayev on November 17, Nizovkina expressed concern about her safety and the safety of her family.
She described an incident where a police officer demanded her minor son's documents, which she found to be intrusive and potentially linked to her work. Nizovkina attributes the escalation of police harassment to her coverage of court proceedings related to claims against the Shymkent Police Department by the management of the patrol police regiment. She says that despite her efforts to write objectively, she feels threatened, fears persecution and calls on the President to take measures to ensure her safety.
Nizovkina's reporting on road safety, traffic violations, and issues within the police department has also made her a target for legal action. Earlier this month, the journalist was sued for libel by the first deputy chief of the Shymkent Police Department for her reporting. The chief claimed Nizovkina spread defamatory information that harmed his honor, dignity, and business reputation. On November 11, 2023, the court dismissed the case against the reporter, stating there was no evidence of defamation in Nizovkina’s reports.
Nizovkina’s appeal to the President reflects a broader concern about the safety and autonomy of journalists in the region. This incident involving Nizovkina follows a troubling pattern of police officers using their positions to intimidate and silence journalists in Kazakhstan. The case of journalist Sandugash Duysenova, who was wrongfully detained and horrifically mistreated by police officers, further underscores the urgent need for safeguarding journalists' rights in the country.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns any form of harassment, intimidation, or legal action aimed at silencing Marina Nizovkina and impeding her work. We call on Kazakh authorities to take immediate steps to guarantee the journalist’s protection and urge a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations of police harassment and intimidation against Nizovkina.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.