Documented cases

4 people held for political reasons in Russia, Belarus, Georgia and Central Asia. Search by name, or filter by country, charge, arrest date and sentence.

Country

Urgency

Kazybek Kudaibergenov

Kudaibergenov was accused of seizing a 'KamAZ' lorry and directing it at servicemen, killing one. He claims he did not participate in the protests, was shot in the leg, and was subjected to severe torture, forcing him to incriminate himself. His family is being pressured due to an appeal. Reports indicate that they have been subjected to torture.

TORTURE REPORTED

LAST UPDATED · NOV 5, 2026

Convicted

KZ-CMR5

38 YRS

Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan

Social media

Gulnaz Serikbayeva

Activist Gulnaz Serikbayeva was sentenced to 3 years in prison for 'inciting discord' via Facebook posts regarding ethnic relations. She denies the charges, stating she was exercising her constitutional right to criticize policies.

HEALTH CONCERNS

LAST UPDATED · AUG 16, 2026

Kazali district, Kyzylorda region

Activism

Yergali Kulbayev

Yergali Kulbayev, a civil activist and co-founder of the 'Uly Kosh' election monitoring fund, was sentenced on 12 February 2026 to four years in prison for extortion. The charges stem from his role as an election observer during the local administration head elections in the Kazali district in summer 2025, where he was accused of demanding money from the election commission chair. This follows a prior 2022 suspended sentence related to the 'January events' for charges of mass riots and hooliganism. Defense lawyers have expressed intent to appeal, noting that the victim did not personally receive demands from Kulbayev.

LAST UPDATED · OCT 27, 2026

Convicted

KZ-CMMC

AGE UNKNOWN

Kyzylorda, Kazakhstan

Activism

Karasay ASHIRBEKOV

A civil rights activist from Kyzylorda who claims the rape charges against him are fabricated and part of a pattern of persecution for his anti-corruption work.

LAST UPDATED · OCT 15, 2026

Convicted

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Letter-writing guides: Russia · Belarus

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