Kazakh refusal stalls investigation into journalist's murder
Kazakhstan has refused to allow Ukrainian investigators to question suspects in the murder of opposition journalist Aidos Sadykov, citing insufficient evidence. The case remains unsolved, and the perpetrators have not been brought to justice.
The Kazakh authorities declined to permit Ukrainian investigators to interrogate the suspects involved in the murder of opposition journalist Aidos Sadykov, which occurred in June 2024 in Kyiv. The General Prosecutor's Office of Kazakhstan justified its decision by stating there is a lack of evidence, as communicated in response to the Ukrainian investigators' request.
No charges without evidence
Kazakh prosecutors claim they requested additional information from Kyiv twice to confirm the suspects’ involvement in the crime but did not receive any response. Therefore, according to Kazakh law, they cannot press charges based on assumptions. The Kazakh authorities refer to the legal assistance agreement with Ukraine, which requires appropriate evidence to execute the request.
Murder of a Kazakh political refugee
Aidos Sadykov, a Kazakh political refugee, was shot in the head by Kazakh citizens, who then fled to Moldova. One of the suspects, Altay Zhakanbayev, voluntarily surrendered to the police in Kazakhstan. However, no information has been provided to Ukraine regarding his testimony or any coercive measures taken against him. The whereabouts of the second suspect, Meiram Karatayev, are still unknown.
Human rights organisations, such as Human Rights Watch and Reporters Without Borders, are urging both countries to fully cooperate to hold the perpetrators accountable. They stress that failing to address attacks on journalists encourages impunity and restricts freedom of speech. Sadykov's family and human rights advocates hope justice will be served and those responsible for the crime will be punished.
