Additional Name(s): Zhuldyzbek Abikenovich Taurbekov

Gender: Male

Perpetrator: Kazakhstan

Religion or Belief: Muslim – Sunni

Health Concerns: Dilated cardiomyopathy

Reports of Torture: No

Reports of Medical Neglect: No

Appeal: Rejected

Sentence: 7 Years' Imprisonment

Date of Detainment: October/27/2018

Date of Sentencing: January/6/2020

Date of Release: January//2022

Current Status: Released

Religious Leader: No

Most Recent Type of Abuse: Imprisonment

Reason for Persecution: Discussing Religion & Religious Texts Online Activity Religious Activity Religious Belief Religious Expression

Nature of Charges: Hate Speech Incitement to Commit Crime & Violence Terrorism

Zhuldyzbek Taurbekov

Extra Bio Info:

Zhuldyzbek Taurbekov was imprisoned for his religious activity and expression.

On October 27, 2018, authorities arrested Taurbekov for participating in a WhatsApp group chat about Islam. 

On January 6, 2020, the Almaly District Court in Almaty sentenced Taurbekov to seven years in prison for “incitement of social, national, patrimonial, racial, class or religious discord…by group of persons” (Art. 174-2 KCC) and "promotion of terrorism or public calls for making of the act of terrorism…with use of mass media or networks of telecommunications” (Art. 256-2 KCC). It also fined him 48,100 tenges plus 112,295 tenges in court fees.

On April 9, 2020, Taurbekov's appeal was denied.

In January 2022, Taurbekov was released from prison on probation.

Taurbekov suffers from dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition that has put his life at risk while in prison.

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