During the investigation, it was revealed that his publications contained "false information and calls to boycott the referendum," as well as other information that misleads citizens, including phone numbers registered abroad. As a result, a criminal case was initiated for obstructing the exercise of electoral rights.
According to information voiced by journalist Vadim Boreiko on his Telegram channel, Yerzhanov was arrested for ten days. His wife Aida confirmed that the activist will remain in custody until March 5, when he may be officially charged. Currently, no charges have been brought against him, and the qualification under the Criminal Code is also unknown.
Boreiko also noted that all of Yerzhanov's posts on Facebook regarding the new Constitution and the upcoming referendum have been deleted from his account.
Orazaly Yerzhanov is the director of the public fund Elge Qaitaru, which deals with the return of illegally withdrawn assets. Previously, he held positions as Deputy Chairman of the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Deputy Minister of Finance in the late 1990s.
Changes to the Constitution of Kazakhstan are taking place as part of a reform proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. On February 11, he was presented with the final draft of the new fundamental law, which includes changes to most articles. A referendum to decide on the adoption of the new Constitution is scheduled for March 15.
Yerzhanov is not the only activist facing consequences for his publications about constitutional changes. In early February, a court in Astana ruled for the two-month arrest of activist Ermek Narymbay for his statements on social media. His lawyer reported that the court had previously prohibited Narymbay from engaging in public and political issues, which became the basis for his detention.
