Russian streamer deported from Kazakhstan: I was tried for jokes

A Russian streamer has been deported from Kazakhstan after being found guilty of making provocative statements during live broadcasts, according to reports. Kseniya Guzayeva, known online as "Fasoollka," was expelled from the Central Asian nation and banned from entering the country for five years, according to the Meduza website. The decision came following her remarks during live streams, which authorities deemed inappropriate. According to police in Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, Guzayeva made comments that were considered offensive and disrespectful to the state. During one of her broadcasts, she referred to Kazakhstan as "Shtrafostan," a term implying a place of punishment, and claimed that Pavlodar was a Russian city. She also asked, "At what age does a girl in Kazakhstan become unattractive for sale? At 13?" These statements reportedly led to her legal troubles. Guzayeva had over 360,000 followers on Twitch and arrived in Kazakhstan at the beginning of June. In a message posted on her Telegram channel, she confirmed her deportation and mentioned that she had visited the police three times in the previous week. Her last encounter with law enforcement resulted in spending half a day in a detention center before her expulsion. She stated that she was fined 85,000 tenge (approximately 159 euros) for her comments about "Shtrafostan" and "Lagostan." She learned of her deportation while checking in at the airport. Additionally, she revealed that she received threats and insults throughout the week, adding that her address had been published online from the very first day of her stay in Kazakhstan. The incident highlights the sensitivity around national identity and respect for state institutions in Kazakhstan. Authorities have taken a firm stance against what they perceive as disrespect towards their country, even if expressed through humor or satire. Guzayeva's case has sparked discussions about freedom of expression and the limits of speech in public discourse. In a separate development, Dmitry Muratov, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, continues to operate within Russia despite the challenges faced by independent media. As former editor-in-chief of Novaya Gazeta, he has long been a vocal critic of government policies and human rights abuses. The newspaper, once a leading voice for investigative journalism in Russia, now exists solely online due to government restrictions. Muratov noted that many influential figures in Russia have been labeled as foreign agents, extremists, or terrorists by the authorities. He estimated that hundreds of individuals have been affected by these designations since the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to him, more than 1,500 people have been imprisoned for expressing views contrary to the current administration’s policies, a number significantly higher than during the peak of Soviet-era repression. Despite the ongoing conflict, Muratov argues that there can be no true victory in the war. He believes that the situation with Ukraine is such that it can either be destroyed or not conquered, emphasizing the potential for further escalation, including the use of nuclear weapons. However, he acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding President Vladimir Putin's intentions, stating that political analysts who claim to know his thoughts are unreliable. As a journalist, Muratov focuses on analyzing large volumes of data rather than speculating about Putin’s mindset. He pointed out that references to the use of nuclear weapons have appeared over 500 times this year alone, though he dismisses mentions by fringe elements. Nevertheless, he noted discussions on state television and at official forums suggesting that some officials view nuclear weapons as a viable option. Despite the increased security measures and challenges facing Russia, Muratov maintains that Putin remains firmly in control. He discounts claims of divisions among the elite and emphasizes the role of the Federal Security Service (FSB) in maintaining support for the president. While acknowledging a decline in public approval ratings for Putin, he asserts that the leader still holds power. Regarding European leaders, Muratov offers a pragmatic perspective, noting that Putin understands their true value. He recalls instances where Putin laughed off discussions about European values during negotiations on energy deals, indicating a clear perception of the West’s priorities. Despite his critical stance toward the Russian government, Muratov does not romanticize Western leadership, recognizing its limitations and complexities.