In his publications, Yerzhanov allegedly posted false information and calls to boycott the referendum, as well as used phone numbers registered abroad, which could mislead citizens, according to police information.
As a result, a criminal case has been initiated for violating electoral rights.
According to journalist Vadim Boreiko, the investigative court in Almaty has already decided to arrest Yerzhanov for ten days. His wife Aida confirmed this information. The activist will remain in custody until March 5, when charges may be brought against him. At the moment, no official suspicions have been raised against him, nor is there information on the qualification of the crime, Boreiko noted.
Additionally, he reported that Yerzhanov's posts on Facebook, which could have been the basis for his arrest, are now unavailable on his account.
Orazaly Yerzhanov is the director of the Elge Qaitaru fund, which deals with the return of illegally withdrawn assets. In the late 1990s, he held positions as deputy chairman of the National Bank and deputy minister of finance of Kazakhstan.
Changes to the Constitution of Kazakhstan were initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as part of a reform. On February 11, he was presented with the final draft of the updated fundamental law, which includes amendments to almost all articles. A referendum on the adoption of the new Constitution is scheduled for March 15.
Yerzhanov is not the only one facing consequences for his statements about constitutional changes. In early February, a court in Astana sentenced activist Ermek Narymbay to two months in custody for publishing his opinion on the constitutional reform, despite a previously imposed court ban on participating in public and political matters.
