Almaty court extends detention of activist Sanjar Bokaev until July 18

An investigative court in Almaty on June 12 extended the pretrial detention of civic activist Sanjar Bokaev until July 18, his lawyer said. Radmir Utepov, representing Bokaev, told reporters that the defense had requested a change in the measure of restraint but that the court declined the request.

«К огромному сожалению, наше ходатайство было оставлено без удовлетворения», — Utepov said after the hearing, confirming that Bokaev will remain in custody for an additional month. Bokaev has been detained since March 18, according to the defense.

Kazakh authorities have brought several charges against Bokaev. Prosecutors accuse him of embezzling funds in a particularly large amount, spreading false information, and organizing illegal tree-felling in the Bauma grove in Almaty. The General Prosecutor's Office has previously stated that Bokaev posted videos on social media alleging illegal cutting of trees and theft of materials from construction sites "with the aim of spreading false information and forming negative public opinion." Investigators also allege that Bokaev organized and financed those actions, paying others to carry them out, and have accused him of large-scale fraud.

Bokaev and his lawyer have rejected the charges. The defense has argued against continued detention, but the investigative court opted to keep him behind bars while the probe continues. The decision to extend custody comes amid ongoing public interest in the case and calls from Bokaev's associates for an open trial, according to local reports.

Sanjar Bokaev is known in Kazakhstan as a civil activist and an author of widely shared publications and video reports alleging misconduct in municipal projects in Almaty. His work has included footage and commentary on the removal of nearly-new paving stones, the removal of granite slabs from the embankment of the Bolshaya Almatinka river, and concerns about potential tree-felling in Bauma grove — materials that, according to prosecutors, formed the basis for their allegations of spreading false information.

Bokaev has a background in local government and politics. In 2014–2015 he led the internal policy department of the akimat (city administration) of Almaty and later served as deputy chairman of the city branch of the Nur Otan party. After leaving public service he worked as an adviser to the chairman of the board at KazTransGas. He has also been associated with the movement "Нет утильсбору" and, following the violent January unrest in Kazakhstan, became more prominent in civic activism and sought, without success, to register a political party under the name Namys.

The case has drawn attention because it intersects with questions about civic oversight, the role of social media in exposing alleged municipal wrongdoing, and the treatment of activists who criticize public projects. Observers and Bokaev’s supporters have demanded transparency, including an open trial; authorities have emphasized their position that the posts and alleged actions were intended to mislead the public and involve criminal activity. The investigation and any potential trial will likely be watched closely by human rights advocates and media freedom monitors in Kazakhstan and the wider region.