Former Head of Kazakhstan's National Security Committee Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison

The Astana court in Kazakhstan has announced that the former head of the National Security Committee, Karim Masimov, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for treason and attempted usurpation of power. This information has been reported by local media, citing a statement on the court's website.

“Masimov K. has been found guilty..., a final sentence of 18 years of imprisonment has been imposed with partial additional penalties, confiscation of property, and a lifetime ban on holding civil service positions,” the statement reads.

Earlier, it was reported that the former head of the police department in the Almaty region, Serik Kudebayev, fled to Turkey via Kyrgyzstan. Kudebayev is accused of abuse of power and torture during the unrest that occurred in Kazakhstan in January. As the commander of the Almaty region, he left the police building, after which weapons were taken from it due to the disturbances.