The General Prosecutor's Office of Kazakhstan stated on March 12 that materials questioning the results of the pre-trial investigation into the former Minister of National Economy Kuandyk Bishimbayev are being published in the media, potentially interfering with the court's impartiality. The dissemination of such information could be viewed as an attempt to obstruct justice, which is punishable under the Kazakh Criminal Code.
The statement also warned against spreading false information, highlighting the legal consequences under Article 274 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan. The General Prosecutor's Office urged citizens and the media to respect the law and refrain from any interference with the court's activities.
It was revealed on March 12 that the main trial in Bishimbayev's case is scheduled for March 27 and will be heard by a jury. During the initial court proceedings on March 11, the prosecution presented its version of events, alleging that a dispute between Bishimbayev and Saltanat Nukenova at a concert in the capital escalated into a fatal altercation at a restaurant the same day, resulting in Nukenova's death.
On November 9, 2023, it was reported that Kuandyk Bishimbayev, the former Minister of National Economy, was arrested on suspicion of his wife's murder, which occurred at the Bau restaurant in the capital. The case has garnered significant attention and raised concerns about the administration of justice in Kazakhstan.
