Kazakhstani Blogger Detained in Turkmenistan

Blogger Erkhat Kusainov, traveling from Almaty to Abu Dhabi, was detained by Turkmen border guards. Initial reports suggest the detention is related to crossing the border between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan illegally.

Kusainov last made contact on November 17, sharing a photo from Samarkand, after which his followers grew concerned due to a lack of updates. A friend later confirmed that Kusainov was located in Turkmenistan, though the exact reasons for his detention remain unclear.

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already informed the country’s embassy in Turkmenistan, and a consular official has requested a meeting with Kusainov to discuss the situation and offer assistance.