Kazakhstan’s General Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the detention of Yerlan Turgumbayev, a former high-ranking police officer and ex-Minister of Internal Affairs, on charges of abuse of power with severe consequences during the political unrest in January 2022.
In an official statement, the office said, “The Prosecutor General’s Office continues to investigate criminal cases related to the January 2022 events. On April 29, ex-Minister of Internal Affairs Yerlan Turgumbayev was detained for abusing his power and authority, causing grave consequences.” The statement also noted that the investigation involves classified state secrets, meaning details from the pre-trial investigation will not be disclosed.
As widely reported, early 2022 saw large-scale protests across Kazakhstan, initially peaceful but later spiraling into violent riots with civilian casualties, an event now known as Qandy Qantar or “Bloody January.” Security forces brutally suppressed the unrest, and CSTO troops—comprising forces from Armenia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Kazakhstan—were deployed. In the aftermath, several high-ranking officials were arrested and accused of orchestrating a coup attempt.
The General Prosecutor’s Office previously announced in March 2024 that Turgumbayev was under investigation for failing to maintain public order during the unrest and for involvement in the torture of citizens.
Turgumbayev, who became Minister of Internal Affairs in 2019, had earlier served as the head of Almaty’s police department. He was dismissed from his ministerial role in February 2022 and subsequently appointed as an adviser to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
By FCCT Editorial Team freeslots dinogame telegram营销
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