Vice Minister of Justice Botagoz Zhaksylykova revealed the conditions for the parole of former minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev during a meeting at the Senate on May 16, as reported by a correspondent.
Journalists inquired whether he could indeed be eligible for parole and under what circumstances.
Botagoz Zhaksylykova stated, "For parole, we do have such a possibility. This possibility is provided when there are circumstances that positively characterize the person serving the sentence. In cases of serious crimes, the minimum term that allows and grants the right is 2/3. Yes, indeed, the consent of the victim is required in this case, but I would like to emphasize once again that this will be the prerogative of the court's decision. Secondly, we need to wait for the specific sentence to come into force. Therefore, at this stage, I cannot provide any comments."
According to her, several factors are taken into account when making such a decision.
"Along with behavior, the conditions of serving the sentence, all of them are considered in court. The institution where the person serving the sentence is located writes the petition," the speaker stated.
She also commented on whether Bishimbayev could be released due to health reasons.
"This is also done by the court's decision, depending on the health condition. At the moment, I cannot comment on the articles precisely. We will definitely clarify everything. All these cases are outlined. But in any case, it will always be the court's decision," summarized the Vice Minister.
On May 13, the judge-coordinator for interaction with the media, Alma Esimova, at a press conference after the trial of Bishimbayev, explained the circumstances under which he could apply for parole.
Kuandyk Bishimbayev was sentenced to 24 years in prison by the court.