EL*C Raises Concerns Over Politically Motivated Prosecution and Calls for Due Process
On 17 February 2026, the legal qualification of the criminal case opened against LGBTIQ+ activist and feminist leader Zhanar Sekerbayeva was officially announced. A case has been initiated under Article 109-1 (“Battery”), Part 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The provision was transferred from the Administrative Code to the Criminal Code in 2024.
18 February 2026
Zhanar Sekerbayeva is a Doctor of Social Sciences, co-founder of the Kazakh feminist initiative Feminita, EL*C Board member, and a long-standing advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights in Kazakhstan.
The Incident at the “French” Café
The Saryarka District Police Department of Astana completed the pre-trial investigation into an incident that occurred on 22 November 2025 at the “French” café.
According to documented accounts, Ziuar Zhumanova created a public disturbance and, together with women accompanying her, filmed participants of a peaceful tea gathering. Witnesses report that she shouted phrases including “LGBT propaganda!”, “Horror”, and “Degenerates.” She also blocked the staircase exit from the second floor, preventing Zhanar from leaving the premises.
During the confrontation, Zhanar sustained a physical injury to her left arm as a result of pushing by Zhumanova.
Similar actions reportedly took place on 21 November 2025 during a research presentation at the public foundation hub Erkindik Kanaty and again on 21 December 2025 at the “Pikabu” café.
Procedural Concerns
Despite indications of stalking, public disorder, violation of equality rights, hooliganism, insults, hate speech against LGBTIQ+ people, and the physical pain inflicted on Zhanar, the Saryarka police registered and investigated only the complaint submitted by Ziuar Zhumanova, who was immediately recognised as the victim.
Zhanar was initially treated solely as a witness with the right to defence. On 9 February 2026, her procedural status was changed to that of a suspect. On the same day, the applicable part of Article 109-1 was amended from Part 2 to Part 1, meaning the alleged beating was determined to have been committed by one person rather than by a group, as originally claimed.
Zhanar submitted complaints on 25 November 2025 (under Articles 115-1, 131, 145, 419, 174, and 274 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan) and again on 12 February 2026 (under Article 109-1, Part 1) against Ziuar Zhumanova. The complaint of 25 November received a refusal to initiate proceedings, while no action has been taken regarding the complaint of 12 February.
Throughout the pre-trial investigation, Zhanar reports having experienced continuous pressure from police officers and investigators. Her motions concerning her lawyer, representative, and witnesses were either rejected or only partially granted. She has also stated that her explanations regarding her inability to travel repeatedly from Almaty to Astana for numerous procedural actions were disregarded.
Allegations of Political Motivation
According to Zhanar Sekerbayeva, the criminal case is commissioned and politically motivated. She points to procedural haste, repeated mistakes, negligence, and what she describes as attempts to intimidate and exhaust her by law enforcement authorities.
Zhanar Sekerbayeva states:
“Do they want to punish me for my activism and my orientation? For the fact that together with my colleagues from Feminita I have defended LGBTIQ+ rights in Kazakhstan for 11 years? For the fact that I still dare to live, not abandon activism, and not be afraid? With all the strength of my soul, I will fight injustice, discrimination, and violations of women’s rights. I will not retreat a single step before those who stage such vile provocations, in which, for some reason, state bodies also participate. I believed that Kazakhstan’s main problems were corruption, brain drain, the economic crisis, femicide, killings and suicides of the sons of inconsolable mothers – but certainly not one lesbian opposing an authoritarian colossus with feet of clay.”
EL*C Statement
Silvia Casalino, Executive Director of EL*C – the EuroCentralAsian Lesbian* Community, stated:
“We are witnessing a deeply troubling situation in which a lesbian feminist activist is transformed from victim to suspect while documented acts of provocation and hate speech go unaddressed. This case raises serious concerns about selective justice, the misuse of criminal law, and the shrinking space for LGBTIQ+ and feminist activism in Kazakhstan. EL*C stands in full solidarity with Zhanar Sekerbayeva and calls for an impartial review of the proceedings and for her fundamental rights to be fully respected.”
Call for Due Process
EL*C calls on the authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ensure due process, guarantee an impartial investigation of all submitted complaints, and protect the rights and safety of LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders.
For media inquiries, please contact:
- Kika Fumero, Media Officer of EL*C
- Phone number: +34 666899735
- Email address: kika.fumero@lesbiangenius.org
