EFJ Calls for Investigation into Attack on German Journalist in Kazakhstan

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the European regional group of the International Federation of Journalists, today called on authorities in Kazakhstan to launch an investigation into the attack on German journalist Marcus Bensmann, who was recently found severely beaten in the capital city of Astana.

Bensmann, an independent journalist who has reported on human rights abuses in Central Asia, was found on January 20 and was later examined by doctors who said he suffered fractures in his skull, jaw and ribs as well as frostbite. He was in Kazakhstan researching a documentary on the capital city, according to reports.

Bensmann has since returned to Germany and is being treated for his injuries but those responsible for his beating have not been found.

“The Kazakh authorities must make a full investigation into this case,” said EFJ Chair Arne König. “Kazakhstan’s journalists have faced increasing physical attacks and legal attacks on their work and we are very worried that Marcus is the latest victim of this trend.”

For more information contact the EFJ at +32 2 235 2207
The EFJ represents over 250,000 journalists in over 30 countries