ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- A court in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, has suspended the operations of an independent newspaper for three months.
The court also ruled on September 23 that the owners of the "Ashyq alan" (Tribune) weekly must pay a $1,130 fine for "violating the schedule of the periodical’s issuance."
The newspaper's editors insist that their journalists were on vacation between July 10 and August 21 and that's why the newspaper wasn't issue during that time. They say they will appeal the court's decision.
"Ashyq alan" is known for its articles criticizing the authorities.
Last year, Kazakh courts suspended and/or shut down several opposition and independent newspapers and websites after prosecutors requested two opposition groups and dozens of opposition media be designated as extremist.
The court also ruled on September 23 that the owners of the "Ashyq alan" (Tribune) weekly must pay a $1,130 fine for "violating the schedule of the periodical’s issuance."
The newspaper's editors insist that their journalists were on vacation between July 10 and August 21 and that's why the newspaper wasn't issue during that time. They say they will appeal the court's decision.
"Ashyq alan" is known for its articles criticizing the authorities.
Last year, Kazakh courts suspended and/or shut down several opposition and independent newspapers and websites after prosecutors requested two opposition groups and dozens of opposition media be designated as extremist.