Kazakhstani lawyer Murat Adam has been disbarred following a complaint by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which accused him of discrediting law enforcement through social media posts. Adam, who previously defended Chechen refugee Mansur Movlaev, denies the allegations, calls the decision politically motivated, and plans to appeal.
The case is linked to Kazakhstan’s recent refusal to grant asylum to Movlaev, a Chechen activist who claims he is persecuted in Russia for his political views and ties to the opposition group 1ADAT. Movlaev alleges past imprisonment, torture, and politically fabricated charges, and is currently facing possible extradition at Russia’s request.
Human rights advocates view the disbarment and asylum refusal as part of broader concerns about political pressure and the treatment of dissidents in the region.