Tina Kandelaki, a prominent Russian TV presenter, has been banned from entering Kazakhstan. The announcement was made by Aibek Smadiyarov, the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kaztag reports.
The Controversy
Kandelaki recently published a post on her Telegram channel about “the displacement of the Russian language” in Kazakhstan. She criticized the decision of the Kazakh authorities to rename several railway stations, such as “Uralsk” to “Oral”, and “Uzen” to "Zhanaozen".
Drawing parallels with the Baltic experience, Kandelaki expressed concern over what she perceives as a dangerous trend. She noted that similar small changes eventually led to the closure of Russian schools, the removal of Soviet monuments, the banning of the Russian language, and even pensioners being kicked out into the cold.
Kazakhstan’s Response
In response to Kandelaki’s remarks, Smadiyarov stated that the state would not forgive such actions. He added that while Kandelaki might not be planning to visit Kazakhstan if she decides to do so, she will not be allowed entry.
Kandelaki’s Controversial History
This is not the first time Kandelaki has sparked controversy. She has previously been put on the international wanted list by the Ukrainian prosecutor’s office. Moreover, she stirred controversy by likening Kazakhs to Mankurts, characters of Chinghiz Aitmatov’s novel "The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years."
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