Meta blocks Facebook accounts of Kazakh journalists Akhmedyarov and Uporov
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Meta blocked the Facebook accounts of journalists Lukpan Akhmedyarov and Raul Uporov, as well as lawyer Tolegen Shaikov, on July 27. Akhmedyarov, who announced the blocks on Instagram, suggested Meta may be serving the interests of Kazakh authorities. The blocking comes less than two weeks after Shaikov's client, YouTuber Azamat Omarov, was arrested on charges of inciting discord.
The Blocked Accounts
Meta blocked the Facebook profiles of journalists Lukpan Akhmedyarov and Raul Uporov, along with lawyer Tolegen Shaikov, on July 27. Akhmedyarov posted the news on Instagram, writing, 'I think we are not the last. Apparently, Meta really serves the interests of the authorities.' The blocking affects accounts that have been critical of the Kazakh government.
Arrest of YouTuber Azamat Omarov
YouTuber Azamat Omarov was arrested on July 18 on charges of inciting social discord, drawing international criticism. He was placed in custody for two months after a court ruling on July 21. Omarov's YouTube channel had featured political commentary, including a video discussing President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, which was later removed following a copyright complaint.
Pattern of Platform Takedowns
In April, Omarov was forced to shut down his previous YouTube channel after multiple copyright strikes, including one that was reportedly filed on behalf of Radio Azattyk. The Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights had previously urged Meta, Google, and Telegram to halt the removal of critical content. In July 2025, a YouTube channel run by Akhmedyarov and Uporov was deleted, though it was later restored.
What's Next
Meta has not publicly commented on the latest blocks, and it remains unclear whether the accounts will be restored. The incident underscores the persistent pressure on independent media in Kazakhstan, where critics say online platforms are increasingly used to silence dissent.
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Meta blocks Facebook accounts of Kazakh journalists Akhmedyarov and Uporov
