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Field tracker · Kazakhstan · Central Asia

KAZAKHSTAN: Anti-war Orthodox priest "kept in forced, absolute isolation from the world"

mediumArrestConfidence 98%JUN 12, 2026

On 22 April, an Almaty court extended until 23 May pre-trial detention of 40-year-old independent Orthodox priest Yakov Vorontsov. Arrested on 13 February, he faces criminal charges which he and his supporters reject. "Relatives can't visit Fr Yakov," says lawyer Galym Nurpeisov. "This is the Investigator's decision.. He could allow it." Police investigator Daniyar Kametov refused to discuss the case. Meanwhile, Guldaria Sherizat is appealing against her jail term for demonstrating against China's jailing of her husband Alimnur Turganbay. Her jailing is postponed until February 2027, when her youngest daughter turns 14.

Record details

Location
Kazakhstan · Central Asia
Event type
Arrest
Coordinates
31.230, 121.474
Accountable source
Forum 18

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