Accessibility links

Breaking News

Hearing Resumes For Kazakh Lawyer Forced Into Psychiatric Hospital


Zinaida Mukhortova
Zinaida Mukhortova
BALKHASH, Kazakhstan -- Hearings have resumed into whether a Kazakh lawyer was legally admitted into a psychiatric hospital.

Zinaida Mukhortova's hearing in the city of Balkhash started on August 16 but was postponed until August 19 because her lawyer could not attend the session.

Mukhortova, who spent nine months in the psychiatric clinic last year, says she is mentally healthy and that the actions against her are politically motivated.

She says authorities took action against her after she filed complaints against a regional governor.

Mukhortova's latest forced psychiatric hospitalization began August 9.

Doctors have said she suffers from delusions.

The clinic's senior physician told RFE/RL last week that Mukhortova was forced into treatment after she ignored a court order.

Human Rights Watch issued a statement on August 16 demanding Mukhortova's release from the clinic.
  • 16x9 Image

    RFE/RL's Kazakh Service

    RFE/RL's Kazakh Service offers informed and accurate reporting in the Kazakh and Russian languages about issues that matter in Kazakhstan, while providing a dynamic platform for audience engagement and the free exchange of news and ideas.

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG