According to statistics for 2023, 122 individuals were sent to Kazakhstan courts for crimes related to extremism and terrorism, slightly less than 2022’s figure of 124.
The most common offenses – 24 in total – included participating in and organising activities related to religion, followed closely by 23 cases of inciting social, national, tribal, racial, class or religious discord.
Ninety nine detainees had secondary or specialized secondary education, and only 19, higher education. Forty one had either disseminated propaganda supporting terrorism or publicly called for an act of terrorism.
The offenders’ ages were widespread with 44 offenders aged 30-39, 38 aged 40- 49, 15 over 50, and 6 over 60. Younger Kazakhs accused of extremism and terrorism included three minors under 18, 4 aged 18-20, and 12 aged 21-29.
The highest number of cases took place in Astana where the total of 50 showed an increase of 28.2% compared to 2022. Almaty saw 21 cases; North Kazakhstan, 16; Atyrau 14, and Zhambyl 13.
During the year, police seized 153 pieces of extremist material comprising 96 books and 42 leaflets.
Elected representatives of Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis (Parliament) are currently implementing a bill to prohibit entry to the country by foreigners involved in terrorist organizations and with prior convictions of sex crimes against minors.
