Kazakhstan sentences five activists to prison for alleged power seizure plot

September 17, 2026 at 01:20 AM2 min

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An Almaty court sentenced five men to between five and five-and-a-half years in prison on September 8 for allegedly attempting to seize power in Kazakhstan. The defendants, aged 56 to 62, were convicted of advocating violent seizure of power and organizing mass unrest. The closed-door trial drew criticism from activists and human rights groups.

Key Facts

Five men were sentenced to between five and five-and-a-half years in prison by an Almaty court on September 8.
The defendants were convicted of advocating violent seizure of power, organizing mass unrest, and plotting to seize the presidential residence Akorda.
Two defendants, Kaisar Ozbek and Talgat Ashirov, received additional convictions for illegally acquiring and storing explosives.
At least 17 people have been imprisoned since 2024 on similar charges of inciting mass unrest or seizing power.
The Kazakhstan International Bureau of Human Rights and Rule of Law has questioned the neutrality of the judicial system in these cases.

The Verdict

The Almaty court found all five defendants guilty of advocating for the violent seizure of power and organizing mass unrest against authorities. The charges also included a plot to seize the presidential residence, Akorda. Two of the men, Kaisar Ozbek and Talgat Ashirov, were additionally convicted of illegally acquiring and storing explosives. The state prosecutor had requested eight-year prison terms for each defendant.

Defense and Criticism

All five defendants pleaded not guilty when the trial began in February. Lawyer Zhanara Balgabaeva claimed security forces used provocateurs to entrap the activists. Balgabaeva criticized the closed-door proceedings, saying the courts lack transparency. The Kazakhstan International Bureau of Human Rights and Rule of Law suspects such cases are used to silence political adversaries.

Pattern of Prosecutions

At least 17 people have been imprisoned since 2024 on charges of inciting mass unrest or attempting to seize power. The best-known case is the 2022 'tractor case,' in which seven activists were accused of planning to drive a tractor into Akorda. Activists argue these court cases are part of a government strategy to control opposition.