Kazakhstanis have been warned about the spread of a fake quote attributed to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, reports infohub.kz.
According to the Center for Countering Disinformation under the Security Council of Kazakhstan, false information is circulating on social media about alleged statements made by Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan regarding Kazakhstan.
An investigation has shown that the quote is fabricated. Nikol Pashinyan never made such remarks. The manipulation was based on the Armenian PM's response to a journalist's question during a briefing on September 3. Commenting on a suggestion of external influence on Yerevan's decisions, Nikol Pashinyan said: "It seems as if you are facing the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Armenian SSR." Thus, he was speaking solely about Armenia's independence in making state decisions. Kazakhstan was not mentioned in this context.
It is noted that the authors of the fake altered certain words and added phrases that were absent from the original speech. As a result, the statement acquired an alternative meaning and was artificially presented as a jab at Kazakhstan. The content of the authentic response is confirmed by the published video of the briefing. The full answer is provided in the VERELQ publication.
Such manipulations are aimed at fostering negative sentiments and creating artificial grounds for tension between the peoples of Kazakhstan and Armenia, the Center for Countering Disinformation added.
Kazakhstanis are urged not to spread unverified quotes and publications, and to pay attention to the original source, date, and context of any statement. Citizens are reminded that spreading false information carries administrative liability with a fine of up to 250 MCI (1,081,250 tenge) or administrative arrest. Furthermore, spreading knowingly false information that creates a danger of disturbing public order or causing significant harm to legally protected rights and interests may result in imprisonment for up to 7 years.