Opposition Kazakh Television Channel Banned

A court in Kazakhstan’s largest city, Almaty, has banned the opposition television channel K-Plus.

Its two websites and several print publications carrying the channel's materials were also banned on December 12.

The court ruled that K-Plus and its associated media outlets carry information that "contradicts legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan."

The studios of K-Plus are based outside Kazakhstan, and broadcasts are expected to continue.

However, the websites and publications will likely be stopped inside Kazakhstan.

Over the last month, the Kazakh authorities have suspended several opposition newspapers and websites after prosecutors requested two opposition groups and dozens of opposition media outlets be designated as extremist.

Kazakhstan's Union of Journalists and the Almaty-based Adil Soz (A Just Word) media-rights group have condemned the prosecutor's move, calling it illegal.

Based on reporting by KazTAG and Interfax