Kazakhstan Foreign Ministry comments on Navai’s controversial arrest
What the Foreign Ministry said
The ministry confirmed that it had received the note from the Russian Consulate General and explained that this was standard procedure.
“The Foreign Ministry received a note from the Russian side requesting information about the detained citizens of the Russian Federation and their whereabouts, which is standard practice in consular work. The Foreign Ministry will send a corresponding request to Kazakhstan’s law enforcement agencies,” the ministry said.
As previously reported, the Russian Consulate General in Almaty contacted Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the musician’s detention. The Russian diplomatic mission told journalists that the note requested an official comment on the situation.
What is known about Navai’s detention
Navai Bakirov was detained on October 13 at the Kordai border checkpoint while entering Kazakhstan. According to police, during an inspection of the vehicle he was traveling in, law enforcement officers found and seized a narcotic substance. The operation was carried out jointly by police and border service officers.
A pre-trial investigation has been launched against the musician. According to available information, it concerns possible drug smuggling and illegal possession of narcotics.
Navai was reportedly placed in pre-trial detention for two months.
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The situation has also developed in Kyrgyzstan. The country’s Border Service launched an investigation into the circumstances of Navai’s border crossing. According to published information, the artist passed through the Ak-Zhol checkpoint on the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border.
“Based on the results of the investigation, if violations are identified, appropriate measures will be taken against the responsible officials in accordance with the law,” the Kyrgyz Border Service said.
The detention affected the artist’s concert schedule. Navai was due to perform in Astana on October 14, but the concert was postponed indefinitely. The organizers cited technical reasons.
Reports of cancellations and postponements on the artist’s concert tour sparked dissatisfaction among fans.
What the artist is known for
Navai Bakirov (Navai) is a popular Russian rapper and singer of Azerbaijani descent who gained fame as a member of the duo HammAli & Navai, as well as the author of solo hits ("Pustite menya na tantspol," "Pryatki," "Devochka-voyna").
The musician has also collaborated with Kazakhstani artists, including Jah Khalib.