Page 64 - bne monthly magazine June 2024 Russian Despair Index

64 I Eurasia bne June 2024
Saltanat Nukenova died of brain trauma caused during the eight-hour ordeal. / kazTAG, open source
Kazakh ex-minister convicted of savage torture and murder of wife in trial that gripped nation
Peter Baunov in Astana
Aformer economy minister
of Kazakhstan, Kuandyk Bishimbayev, on May 13 was handed a 24-year prison sentence for the brutal torture and murder of his wife, Saltanat Nukenova, 31, whom he subjected to a horrendous ordeal lasting eight hours.
The trial, broadcast live, gripped the nation, with released CCTV footage showing much of the savage assault. It raised the issue of the disturbing level of domestic violence in the country, with perpetrators, frequently people with elite connections and money, often going unpunished.
The judge convicted Bishimbayev, 44, of "murder with special cruelty" and
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"torture". As the verdict was read out, Bishimbayev could be seen gasping “Why?” and slumping down in the dock, holding his head in his hands.
Despite the long sentence, it was a far cry from the life term demanded by many including members of his astrologer wife’s family. However, Nukenova’s brother Aitbek Amangeldi spoke after the verdict, saying: “This prison term
was one of the options we expected. Generally, we stop here, this term is enough. In 24 years, he will be 68. It's basically a life sentence.”
The sensational trial, which has also garnered much international attention, was considered by many as a crucial test of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s commitment to enhancing women's rights. Many in the Central
“The trial sparked widespread anger and outpourings of emotion from both men and women in the country, possibly contributing to a lasting shift in attitudes towards domestic violence.”