This year has opened under a dark cloud for Kazakhstan’s independent journalism scene. In the space of a couple of weeks, multiple reporters and outlets have been subjected to acts of intimidation, threats and hacking attacks. With all victims of these unsolved crimes sharing a similar critical stance toward the government, many have surmised the campaign of terror is being fueled by figures close to the authorities. The office of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sought to dispel that emerging narrative on January 20, however, by joining in with the condemnation. “It is not only the perpetrator…