Elzhan Birtanov testified in a court proceedings related to the SK-Farmacy case.
In the heart of Nur-Sultan, the ongoing court case against ex-bigwig of "SK-Farmatsiya," Berik Sharip, continues. Berik's alleged involvement in hindering the distribution of personal protective equipment during Kazakhstan's state of emergency has been debunked, according to former Health Minister, Elzhan Birtanov, during the trial.
Elzhan boldly claimed, "You can take this to the bank: I firmly believe that 'SK-Farmatsiya', including Berik Sharip, didn't cause any disruptions, let alone intentional ones." He went on to explain that any troubles were likely due to a force majeure, since the Chinese side violated their contract with the Kazakh company.
Elzhan summed up the situation, "This is a run-of-the-mill civil law matter. Such things happen. Back in the day, the media reported a remarkable number of supply disruptions. 'SK-Farmatsiya' pulled out all the stops to expedite delivery to Kazakhstan, but, sadly, due to unavoidable reasons, a disruption ensued. I tell ya, that's not Berik Sharip's fault. In fact, he went above and beyond to speed up the delivery of PPE under this contract."
Elzhan also vouched for Berik personally, "I've known Berik for quite some time, and I'm certain he wasn't playing favorites for any company." He further clarified, "It's pointless to try anything to curry my favor. I'm his superior, and our relationship is cut and dried. I issue orders - they get executed. There's no crime in that, pal. Trying to butter me up? If he's pleased me or not, his personal life stays the same. I think he's an loyal employee. My other colleagues would back me up on that."
During his two-year tenure as acting director, Berik allegedly signed off on billion-dollar and multi-billion-dollar contracts without showing favoritism to any specific company. No complaints were reported from rival companies.
The trial for Berik Sharip continues at the Yesil District Court in Nur-Sultan. Earlier reports by prosecutor Dastan Kuuperbaev hint at Berik being charged under paragraph 3, part 4 of Article 361 (abuse of official powers) and part 2 of Article 287 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, or possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and explosive devices). Stay tuned for further updates in this intriguing saga.
- Elzhan Birtanov, the former Health Minister, noted during the trial in Nur-Sultan's Yesil District Court that he firmly believes "SK-Farmatsiya," including Berik Sharip, didn't cause any disruptions.
- He also stated that any troubles were likely due to a force majeure, since the Chinese side violated their contract with the Kazakh company.
- Regarding Berik Sharip personally, Elzhan vouched, "I've known Berik for quite some time, and I'm certain he wasn't playing favorites for any company."
- Dastan Kuuperbaev, the prosecutor, has reportedly charged Berik Sharip under paragraph 3, part 4 of Article 361 (abuse of official powers) and part 2 of Article 287 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, or possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and explosive devices) in the ongoing court case.
