Activist Sanzhar Bokayev transferred to Astana detention center

September 18, 2026 at 01:31 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakh activist Sanzhar Bokayev was transferred from an Almaty detention facility to a pre-trial detention center in Astana, his lawyer Almas Musina said on September 18. The transfer occurred after the criminal case was sent to court, with the first hearing scheduled for September 28 in Almaty. Defense lawyers said they received no transfer order and fear the move may prevent offline participation in the Almaty trial.

Key Facts

Sanzhar Bokayev was transferred from the Almaty National Security Committee detention facility to a pre-trial detention center in Astana, lawyer Almas Musina said.
Videographer Ulan Nusipkozha was also transferred to Astana, according to Musina.
The first hearing in Bokayev's case is scheduled for September 28 at the Almaly District Court in Almaty.
Bokayev has been in custody since March 18, 2026, on charges including spreading false information and organizing illegal tree felling.
Defense lawyers have appealed to the Prosecutor General and the Supreme Court chairman over the transfer.

The Transfer

Lawyer Almas Musina said on Facebook that she and colleagues arrived at the Almaty National Security Committee detention facility on September 17 and learned Bokayev had been moved to Astana. Musina said videographer Ulan Nusipkozha was also transferred to Astana, and that the transfers occurred after the pre-trial investigation was completed and the case was sent to court. Defense lawyers said they did not receive any transfer order, although the court assured them the defendants would be returned before the trial begins. Lawyer Artem Askarov said the transfer hinders preparation for the trial scheduled to begin on September 28.

The Case

Bokayev has been in custody since March 18, 2026, on suspicion of posting videos about illegal tree felling in a public park and theft from construction sites to spread false information and shape negative public opinion. Investigators allege Bokayev organized and financed the tree felling himself, recruiting low-income individuals and promising them payment. Source 2 reports Bokayev is accused of embezzlement on a particularly large scale, spreading false information, and organizing tree felling in the Bauma grove. Bokayev and his lawyers reject the charges.

Defense Concerns

Musina said the defense fears the transfer was made to prevent Bokayev from participating in the Almaty trial offline, or that the case may be moved to Astana, creating additional difficulties for lawyers and relatives. She also suggested authorities may fear that the majority of Almaty residents support Bokayev. Musina appealed to the Prosecutor General and the Supreme Court chairman to prevent violations of the rights of lawyers and defendants. Askarov also appealed to the Prosecutor General's Office and the Supreme Court to draw attention to the situation.