Kazakhstan - September 2026
New parliamentary rules restrict media access to deputies
Following the inauguration of Kazakhstan's new unicameral Kurultai, authorities introduced rules restricting journalists' access to deputies and government officials inside parliament. Journalists are now only allowed to access parliamentary deputies and government officials inside the parliament building during scheduled briefings in the press center. Previously, accredited journalists were allowed to talk freely to deputies in the halls and corridors. Furthermore, questions are to be limited to the topic of the briefing. Domestic media-rights organizations and international press-freedom groups criticized the measures, arguing that they reduce journalistic scrutiny of elected representatives and limit public accountability, and called on the government of Kazakhstan to withdraw the new rules.
Sources: Committee to Protect Journalists, KazTag, Ulys Media
