Aigul Sailybayeva: Deputy Interior Minister Confirms Parallel Probe Into Torture

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Interior Minister Sanzhar Adilov confirmed that Kazakhstan is investigating a separate criminal case connected to the homicide of former judge Aigul Sailybayeva in Germany, Orda.kz reports.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Senate, Adilov noted:

Regarding the commission of a particularly serious crime against a citizen of Kazakhstan in Germany, this matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Prosecutor General's Office, as it is the authorized body for international law enforcement cooperation.

The case was opened following complaints from the victim's relatives. These events occurred while the couple was in Kazakhstan, in the Jetisu region. In Germany, they're investigating homicide; in our country, they're investigating torture and physical harm by the spouse.

Adilov said that Kazakhstan has ordered forensic examinations, is conducting investigative actions, and is in constant contact with the victim’s relatives.

Judge Aigul Sailybayeva, who previously worked in Kazakhstan, was found dead in Germany in 2024. 

According to media reports, she had traveled there with her husband. Following her death, her lawyer Zhanna Urazbakhova said Kazakhstan had also opened an investigation into prior domestic violence and abuse.

German authorities are treating the case as a premeditated homicide, while Kazakh authorities are investigating it as torture with grave consequences.

Both countries continue to exchange information under international legal cooperation.

Original Author: Ilya Astakhov