Which Famous Criminals May Be Granted Pardons?
In a recent development, the Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan's parliament, has passed a law on amnesty to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of Kazakhstan. The law, while not explicitly naming high-profile individuals, could potentially impact several high-ranking figures facing various charges.
One of the individuals who might benefit from the amnesty is former MVD head Yerlan Turguumbaev. He was sentenced to five years in prison (suspended) for abuse of power. However, it is important to note that the amnesty law does not apply to all offenses, and Turguumbaev's other charges may not fall under its jurisdiction.
Another individual who could qualify for a sentence reduction is Ablai Myrzakhmetov. He was sentenced for deceiving the brother of Kairat Boranbaev, claiming to have the ability to secure the businessman's release from custody for a fee, and for promising to help end Boranbaev's pretrial investigation through high-ranking officials. Under the amnesty law, Myrzakhmetov can qualify for a sentence reduction of one-fifth if he fully compensates for the damage caused.
Bakhytzhan Baijanov, director of "Gastrocenter," is another potential beneficiary. His sentence is reduced by one-fifth for aiding and abetting murder, which could make him eligible for amnesty. However, the exact nature of his involvement in the crime is not specified.
Karim Massimov, a former prime minister and head of the National Security Committee, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for high treason, attempted violent seizure of power, abuse of power, and official duties in April 2023. The charges against Massimov include "Legalization (Money Laundering) of Money and Other Property Obtained through Criminal Means" and "Acceptance of a Bribe in a Large Amount," but it remains unclear if trials have taken place for these charges. The charges for which Massimov was sentenced do not fall under the amnesty.
It is also worth mentioning that around 15,000 prisoners are expected to fall under the scope of the amnesty. However, convicts like Kuandyq Bishimbayev, who was convicted for killing his wife, are not eligible for amnesty.
While the amnesty law could potentially impact several high-profile figures, the specific charges these individuals are facing are not yet clear. As more information becomes available, it will provide a clearer picture of who may potentially benefit from the amnesty law and the charges they are facing.
Politics and general news in Kazakhstan are following an intriguing turn, as the amnesty law passed by the Mazhilis may impact several high-ranking figures. Individuals such as Ablai Myrzakhmetov, convicted for deceiving a high-profile individual and promising to use his connections to end a pretrial investigation, could qualify for a sentence reduction under this law.
