Former Kazakh minister gets 24 years in prison for murdering wife

Kazakhstan's former Economy Minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev, charged with beating his wife to death, attends a court hearing in Astana, Kazakhstan April 3, 2024

On Monday, former Kazakhstan economy minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev received a 24-year prison sentence for the murder of his wife, marking the conclusion of a highly publicized trial seen by many as a test of the president's commitment to advancing women's rights.

Bishimbayev, 44, was convicted of torture and murder by the court, with the proceedings broadcast live over seven weeks, signaling a stance that no elite member is exempt from legal consequences.

Kazakhstan's former Economy Minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev, who was found guilty of murdering his wife and sentenced to 24 years in prison, is seen behind a glass wall of an enclosure for defendants during a court hearing in Astana, Kazakhstan, May 13, 2024.

CCTV footage presented during the trial depicted Bishimbayev viciously assaulting his 31-year-old wife, Saltanat Nukenova, dragging her into a room where she eventually succumbed to her injuries.

Additionally, videos retrieved from Bishimbayev's phone showcased his verbal abuse and mistreatment of Nukenova in the hours leading up to her tragic demise on November 9, 2023.

Kazakhstan's former Economy Minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev, who was found guilty of murdering his wife and sentenced to 24 years in prison, reacts behind a glass wall of an enclosure for defendants during a court hearing in Astana, Kazakhstan, May 13, 2024.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who succeeded longtime leader Nursultan Nazarbayev, has emphasized the need for a more equitable society, particularly advocating for enhanced women's rights.

This case has spurred public backing for legislation criminalizing domestic violence, recently passed by parliament. Government statistics indicate that one in six Kazakh women has suffered violence from a male partner.

] Kazakhstan's former Economy Minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev

Throughout the trial, Bishimbayev admitted to physically assaulting his wife but claimed that some injuries were self-inflicted. He denied any intent to torture or murder her.

Bishimbayev previously served as economy minister from May to December 2016. In 2018, he was convicted of bribery and sentenced to 10 years, but due to an amnesty and parole, he spent less than three years behind bars before his release.