Kuandyk Bishimbaev Sentenced in the Murder Case of Saltanat Nukenova

Kuandyk Bishimbaev, former Kazakh Economy Minister, was sentenced after fatally assaulting his wife, with the punishment reflecting mitigating factors.

The murder case of Saltanat Nukenova has reached its conclusion. On May 13, 2024, the Specialized Interdistrict Court of Astana, following the jury's verdict, found former Economy Minister Kuandyk Bishimbaev guilty under two articles of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code: "murder with exceptional cruelty" and "torture."

The defendant received a 24-year prison sentence, combining punishments partially, to be served in a maximum-security facility. Bishimbaev’s relative, Bakhytzhan Baizhanov, was also found guilty of concealing the crime and sentenced to 4 years in prison.

Saltanat, aged 31, was found dead on November 9, 2023, at the Bau restaurant in Astana. According to the investigation, Kuandyk assaulted her for approximately eight hours until she died from head trauma and internal bleeding.

Family members of the victim and many observers had hoped for a life sentence for the former minister.

Judge Aizhan Kulbaeva read the verdict explanation: "Bishimbaev was found guilty of torturing the victim Nukenova and intentionally causing her death with exceptional cruelty. Baizhanov was found guilty of knowingly concealing a particularly serious crime committed by Bishimbaev. The defendant's guilt was proven by victim testimony, witness accounts, audio and video evidence, expert conclusions, and criminal case materials."

In sentencing, the court acknowledged the presence of minor children as a mitigating factor. The sentence length was determined by Judge Kulbaeva and the jury through majority vote.

Previously, in his final statement, Kuandyk did not deny responsibility for Saltanat’s murder but insisted the crime was not premeditated. After apologizing to both families, he expressed that life's challenges are tests from a higher power:

"If you believe in a higher power, in God, I believe He tests us. Whether we want it or not, realize it or not, every day we face His test — a test of the highest moral values. On the night of November 8-9, I failed this test. I insulted all that is good within me and within every person. I deeply understand this, suffer, and repent daily."

Photo: t.me/Jogargy_sot, social media

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