Bakytzhan Zhanseitov, a Kazakh citizen and allegedly member of the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK), was arrested on June 30, 2025, and accused of organizing mass riots — solely based on his attendance at a political meeting. It appears he is the latest target of an arbitrary arrest by the Kazakh authorities.
Civil activist Bakytzhan Zhanseitov was arrested in Karaganda on June 30, accused of organizing mass riots. According to the Qaharman Human Rights Foundation, this charge is based solely on his alleged presence at a meeting linked to the banned in Kazakhstan opposition movement Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK).No evidence has been made public so far that establishes any direct involvement by Zhanseitov in any riot.
There are no reports indicating that he was present during violent acts, illegal gatherings, or that he played any coordinating role. According to the foundation, the authorities rely exclusively on his participation in a political discussion to justify his arrest.
Zhanseitov has been charged under Article 272, Part 1 of the Criminal Code, which punishes the “organization of mass riots involving violence, pogroms, arson, destruction of property, use of firearms, explosives or explosive devices.” The potential sentence ranges from four to ten years in prison. He has been placed in pre-trial detention in Karaganda.
His wife, Duman Nubirbekova, stated that law enforcement forced her to sign a non-disclosure agreement under threat of criminal prosecution.
A Civilian Figure Targeted by the State
Bakytzhan Zhanseitov is the father of Rakhymzhan Zhanseit, a 23-year-old man who was killed in 2019 during a brawl at the “Ancient Rome” restaurant in Karaganda. The incident sparked a wave of public outrage and protests in the city at the time. Since then, Zhanseitov has become a civil activist committed to seeking justice.
The personal tragedy he experienced has no connection to the charges he now faces. However, in the current political context, his profile — an active civil activist, critical of the authorities, and perceived as close to the DVK — makes him particularly vulnerable. This type of civic engagement has been enough to draw the attention of security forces.
A Movement Under Constant Pressure
The Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK) was founded in 2001 by former minister Mukhtar Ablyazov and former regional governor (akim) Galymzhan Zhakiyanov. The movement claims to advocate for deep democratic reforms in the country. In 2018, the DVK was banned by a court in Astana, which designated it as an extremist organization following a closed-door trial. However, the European Parliament considers the DVK a peaceful opposition force.
Since its creation — and even more so after its ban — numerous individuals sympathetic to the DVK have been arrested or convicted based on minimal evidence, such as social media posts or participation in online discussions. Hundreds of participants and sympathisers of the movement have been sentenced to various terms of imprisonment and restrictions of freedom simply for their apparent or alleged affiliation to the movement. Upon release, they remain subject to civil and financial disabilities, which are additional penalties in Kazakhstan.
Human rights organizations have consistently denounced the arbitrary and politically motivated nature of these prosecutions.
Zhanseitov’s case fits into this pattern. The basis for his arrest appears particularly weak, if not entirely disproportionate, as no material evidence links him to the alleged events. A similar case is ongoing in Almaty, where six activists opposing the construction of a nuclear power plant are being prosecuted on comparable grounds.
