Kazakh man gets 2 years for Threads comments inciting hatred
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A resident of Semey was sentenced to two years in prison for comments on Threads that a court found incited religious and ethnic hatred. The man had posted inflammatory remarks under religious-themed posts for about 18 months.
The Verdict
The inter-district criminal court of Semey found the defendant guilty under Article 174 Part 1 of the Criminal Code (inciting social, national, ethnic, racial or religious hatred). The court noted that the man intentionally created conflict by publishing comments aimed at insulting national honor and dignity based on religion and nationality. He fully confessed and requested a non-custodial sentence.
Sentencing Details
The prosecutor sought a real prison term. The court imposed two years of imprisonment, citing mitigating factors: sincere remorse, no prior convictions, first-time offender, and positive references from residence and work. No aggravating circumstances were found. The sanction for Article 174 Part 1 ranges from a fine to 2–7 years of imprisonment.
What's Next
The verdict can be appealed within 15 days. It remains unclear whether the defendant will file an appeal or if the case will set a precedent for similar online speech prosecutions.
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Kazakh man gets 2 years for Threads comments inciting hatred
