Kazakhstan: Feminist Activist Facing Criminal Charges

A feminist activist in Kazakhstan is facing criminal charges. The charges were filed by prosecuting authorities for battery after an incident at a café in Astana. The activist, Zhanar Sekerbayeva, was meeting with colleagues and friends when she was aggressively accosted. The charges appear to be in retaliation for her activism, particularly for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights. Further details about the case are available from Human Rights Watch, including a statement from their Central Asia adviser. A hearing in the case is expected to take place soon.