Editorial Independence and Staff Safety Disclosure

The Kazakhstan Anti-Corruption Oversight Committee (KAZACOC) operates under extraordinary security conditions due to the ongoing risk of intimidation, harassment, and violence against investigative journalists reporting on corruption and abuse of power in and around Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

To protect the safety of our reporters, editors, and contributors:

• KAZACOC does not publicly list the names or personal details of editorial staff.
• All editorial operations are directed from our registered U.S. headquarters at
  1629 K Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006 USA.
• Oversight, accountability, and compliance are handled collectively by the Editorial Board, supervised by an Editor-in-Chief operating under U.S. jurisdiction.
• All editorial standards, corrections, and whistleblower policies are published openly, and our compliance with international journalism ethics is verifiable through the documents available at www.kazacoc.org/about.
• For accreditation, legal, or verification purposes, authorized representatives may disclose names and identities privately to the relevant bodies under strict confidentiality agreements.

KAZACOC affirms that it adheres fully to the Journalism Trust Initiative, the Trust Project Indicators, and the UN Media Accreditation Code of Conduct, while prioritizing the safety and security of journalists in hostile environments.

Editorial Policy

Effective Date: July 4, 2025

Approved by: Editor-in-Chief

Mission and Principles

The Kazakhstan Anti-Corruption Oversight Committee (KAZACOC) is a nonprofit investigative news organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., dedicated exclusively to public-interest journalism, transparency, and protection of whistleblowers. Our mission is to expose corruption, abuse of power, and violations of public trust through verifiable, ethical, and independent reporting.

Editorial Independence

All editorial content is produced free from external influence. Editorial decisions are made solely by KAZACOC’s newsroom leadership. No donor, sponsor, advertiser, or outside entity may dictate, preview, or approve content. All financial contributors are publicly disclosed, and contributions do not grant editorial control.

Standards of Accuracy and Fairness

Reporters must verify all material using multiple, independent sources whenever possible; attribute all information clearly; provide context and balance; offer subjects a right of reply before publication; and label commentary and opinion distinctly from factual news.

Transparency

Corrections and updates are issued according to the policy below. Potential conflicts of interest must be reported to and reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief.

Ethics and Conflicts of Interest

Journalists and editors may not accept compensation, gifts, or favors from sources. Whistleblower information is handled confidentially and securely. All digital evidence is maintained on encrypted systems.

Use of AI and Digital Tools

AI or automated tools may be used for research or translation only; all editorial judgments are made by human editors.

Public Accountability

KAZACOC serves the public interest. Our loyalty is to facts, transparency, and citizens’ right to know—not to any party, government, or corporation.

 

Corrections & Updates Policy

Effective Date: July 4, 2025

Commitment to Accuracy

KAZACOC corrects all errors swiftly and transparently.

Types of Corrections

Minor corrections (spelling or style) may be fixed silently. Substantive corrections (factual errors, misquotes, misattributions) carry a clearly labeled ‘Correction’ or ‘Editor’s Note’ with date and details. Updates (new verified information) are labeled ‘Update’ with a timestamp.

How to Request a Correction

Anyone may email editor@kazacoc.org with the subject line ‘Correction Request’, including: article URL, statement in question, and supporting evidence. All requests are reviewed within 3 business days by the Managing Editor.

Retractions

If an article is found to be fundamentally inaccurate, the Editor-in-Chief may issue a retraction. Retractions remain permanently accessible with an explanation.

 

Sourcing & Whistleblower Policy

Effective Date: July 4, 2025

Purpose

This policy governs how KAZACOC gathers, verifies, and protects information—especially from whistleblowers and confidential sources.

Source Verification

Every claim must be backed by documentary, firsthand, or independently corroborated evidence. Anonymous sources are used only when the public-interest value is significant and the source faces credible risk of harm or retaliation if identified. Editors must know the source’s identity even if anonymity is preserved publicly.

Whistleblower Submissions

KAZACOC accepts materials through secure, encrypted channels only. Use kazacoc@protonmail.com, or phone (+1-202-519-2200), for confidential submissions. Metadata is removed before internal review. All materials are handled by trained investigative journalists under direct supervision of the Editor-in-Chief.

Source Protection

KAZACOC will never disclose a confidential source’s identity without the source’s written consent or a final, non-appealable court order. Sensitive data are stored on encrypted, access-controlled servers. No staff member may transmit whistleblower data via personal email or cloud accounts.

Legal and Ethical Safeguards

KAZACOC operates in compliance with the U.S. Press Freedom Act, the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act, and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Legal counsel is consulted before publishing any classified or highly sensitive materials to ensure safety and legality.

Publication Standards

All whistleblower-derived content is independently verified before publication. If disclosure could endanger lives or active operations, limited redactions may be applied.

Contact

Whistleblowers may reach us via encrypted email editor@kazacoc.org, or submit securely at www.kazacoc.org

 

Appendix — Editorial Independence Charter

Purpose

The Kazakhstan Anti-Corruption Oversight Committee (KAZACOC) affirms its independence and adherence to international press-freedom and transparency standards as defined by: the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI) standard EN 17493 (CEN, 2020), the Trust Project Indicators, and UN Media Accreditation Guidelines and Article 19 of the UDHR.

Editorial Autonomy

All news judgments rest solely with editorial staff under the Editor-in-Chief. No government, donor, advertiser, or board member may influence editorial decisions.

Transparency and Public Accountability

KAZACOC commits to clear labeling of news vs. opinion, open correction logs, and public ownership disclosures. The Committee welcomes audits and assessments by recognized journalism-trust bodies.

Global Recognition Intent

KAZACOC seeks registration with UN Media Accreditation & Liaison Unit, Google Publisher Center, Meta News Page Index, Apple News Publisher, Microsoft Start/MSN Partner Hub, Journalism Trust Initiative, The Trust Project, and NewsGuard Evaluation.

Public Interest Mandate

KAZACOC’s sole purpose is truthful reporting in the public interest. We engage in no advocacy, lobbying, or political advertising.

Editor-in-Chief
Kazakhstan Anti-Corruption Oversight Committee (KAZACOC)
Date: July 4, 2025

1629 K Street NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006, USA

Tipline: +1 202-519-2200

Kazacoc@protonmail.com