On April 28, 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with Marat Sultangaziyev, the Akim of the Almaty region, to discuss the socio-economic development of the area, particularly focusing on the construction of the new city of Alatau. This ambitious project is aimed at transforming the region into a modern megacity. During the meeting, Tokayev emphasized the importance of timely and quality execution of plans related to infrastructure, industrial zones, and communal networks.
In a somber note, President Tokayev also expressed his condolences over the passing of Seit Kaskabasov, a prominent Kazakh literary scholar and public figure, who died on the same day. Tokayev remarked on Kaskabasov's significant contributions to national spirituality and intellectual discourse.
In judicial news, the trial concerning the murder of 16-year-old Sherzat Bolat in Taldykorgan continues to unfold. On this day, witness Elmira Nurbekova, who was present at the scene of the incident, retracted her earlier testimony. Nurbekova claimed she was in a state of shock and had been interrogated by approximately 100 people over two sleepless days. "I didn’t even realize what they were asking. I was just trying to get home," she stated, highlighting the intense pressure she faced during the investigation.
As the court proceedings progressed, prosecutors expressed skepticism regarding Nurbekova's reliability, suggesting that her testimony might have been intentionally misleading. This skepticism was echoed by the defense, which argued that her presence with the defendants at the time of the incident raises questions about her credibility. The court left the matter open for further deliberation.
Meanwhile, the environmental landscape in Kazakhstan saw a significant development as a Chinese company was fined one billion tenge for breaching ecological laws. The violations were serious enough to cause considerable environmental damage, prompting authorities to mandate immediate rectification of the issues.
In a proactive move, the Kazakh government has decided to allocate funds recovered from oligarchs to improve the infrastructure in the towns of Kosshy and Makinsk. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for residents through the construction of social facilities and modernization of utilities.
In a notable financial decision, veterans of the Great Patriotic War in Almaty have been approved for a one-time payment of five million tenge in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. Additionally, support for home front workers has been increased from 50,000 to 100,000 tenge, benefiting over 6,000 individuals.
Weather forecasts have indicated that residents of Almaty and Astana should prepare for variable conditions, including rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds in the coming days. Nighttime temperatures in Astana are expected to dip as low as 0-2 degrees Celsius, prompting warnings from meteorologists for citizens to stay vigilant.
In local crime news, six individuals impersonating police officers were apprehended in Almaty. The suspects reportedly extorted money from citizens under the threat of criminal prosecution. Authorities have initiated a criminal case against them, with more than 12 million tenge in damages reported.
In a related incident, a scandal involving actor and blogger Sharip Serik has garnered widespread attention. Following accusations of domestic violence, Serik provided a detailed interview addressing the conflict and his subsequent arrest. This has sparked a divided public reaction, with discussions centering on accountability and the broader issue of violence in relationships.
Another distressing case involved a video that surfaced online showing a teacher in Semey inappropriately touching a student during class. The Committee for the Protection of Children's Rights has since intervened, leading to the teacher's dismissal and the case being handed over to law enforcement for further evaluation.
In a more positive light, the Akim of North Kazakhstan, Gauyez Nurmukhambetov, inspected the flood-affected areas of Petropavlovsk by boat, assuring residents that all necessary safety measures are being implemented. The region has been battling severe flooding, necessitating the evacuation of residents in some areas.
As the legal proceedings in the murder case of Sherzat Bolat continue, the courtroom drama intensifies with new testimonies and evidence being presented. Witnesses have expressed fear for their safety, complicating the search for truth in this tragic case.
Overall, April 28, 2025, has been a day marked by significant socio-political developments in Kazakhstan, highlighting the interplay between governance, justice, and community welfare amidst ongoing challenges.
