Former Kazakh minister jailed for 24 years for murdering his wife

A former Kazakh economy minister, Kuandyk Bishimbayev, has been jailed for 24 years for murdering his wife, Saltanat Nukenova. This jail sentence came after a closely watched trial that some consider as a pledge of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to create a more just and equal society.

Prosecutor also presented horrible video footage in the court trial as evidence before the final verdict. The footage showed ex-minister Kuandyk repeatedly beating and kicking a thin young Saltanat who was wearing a coat and boots. Kuandyk appeared to drag her with hair.

Later, Saltanat was found dead. However, Kuandyk maintained his stance in court, claiming his wife’s injuries were self-sustaining. So, he requested the court to declare him not guilty.

However, the Kazakhstan court declined the request of the former Kazakh minister Kuandyk and jailed him for 24 years. Kuandyk was the economy minister from May to December 2016. Moreover, he faced a high-level corruption trial against him.

Following that, a court in Astana sentenced him to 10 years in prison on charges of bribery and misuse of funds. But officials released Kuandyk early through an amnesty ordered by the government. He had served about 18 months of his jail term when pardoned.

Kazakhstan is an oil-rich country with 20 million people. There have been many other cases of members of the elite people getting away with several crimes. This unjust cycle has raised concern and strengthened the misbelief of the masses in the justice system.

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Government statistics show that one in every six women has suffered abuse at the hands of a male partner in Kazakhstan. So, domestic violence by Kazakh men has gained significant attention in the nation.

Hence, the death of poor Saltanat Nukenova by ex-minster Kuandyk caused anger among Kazakh people who demanded justice for the deceased woman. Afterward, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart ordered the Interior Ministry to investigate Saltanat’s case exclusively.

So, the 24-year imprisonment punishment of Kuandyk comes. However, many people have expressed concern about whether Kuandyk will serve his jail sentence or whether the government will pardon him like before.