Regarding the detention of journalists during the events that took place

The Ministry of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the authorized body in the field of mass media, and always adheres to the position of supporting media representatives.

Today on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the "Rules of activity of a journalist (a representative of the mass media) present at peaceful assemblies" are in force for media representatives, which fix the corresponding distinctive signs.

The forms of distinctive signs of a journalist are a vest, an armband, a sticker. When wearing these distinctive signs, it is necessary to ensure their clear visibility.

The Ministry closely monitors every case of detention of media representatives. Currently, together with law enforcement agencies, all the facts of detentions are being checked and studied. It should be noted that the main problems in identifying the facts of detention are the absence of distinctive signs on journalists, which created a problem in granting them access to professional activities.

In addition, certain media representatives during the specified period of events were detained on the facts of violation of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the procedure for organizing and holding peaceful assemblies, as well as for actions provoking a violation of law and order in a state of emergency and did not directly carry out their professional activities.

The Ministry urges to treat with understanding and strictly comply with the requirements of the state of emergency, as well as to have distinctive signs of journalists when covering mass events.

This issue is s constantly monitored by the Ministry.