Kazakh Artist Gets Seven Years In Prison On Terrorism Charges That He Rejects

Kazakh artist Dauren Makin has been sentenced to seven years in prison on a charge of propagating terrorism that he and his supporters say is politically motivated. A court in Astana pronounced the sentence on April 27. Makin, who pleaded not guilty, said he will appeal the sentence. The details of the charge remain unknown as the trial was held behind closed doors. Makin's lawyer, Zhasulan Komekov, said earlier that the charge against Makin stemmed from his statements about January 2022 anti-government protests that turned into deadly mass disorder. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, click here.