Baganashyl Scandal: Majilis Deputy Calls for Dismissal of Almaty Region Akim

Majilis deputy Bakytzhan Bazarbek has publicly called for the resignation of Marat Sultangaziyev, Akim of the Almaty Region, in connection with the controversial attempt to forcibly relocate children from an Almaty orphanage to the city of Qonayev, Orda.kz reports.

Bazarbek made the statement on his official Facebook page following a personal visit to Orphanage No. 1 in Baganashyl, where he met with the institution’s director, Roza Bekisheva.

He demanded that both the orphanage administration and the regional government make public all documents that determined the children’s relocation.

The deputy was particularly outraged by what he described as a broken promise by Akim Marat Sultangaziyev, who had previously assured the public that no child would be relocated without consent.

For the tyranny surrounding the Baganashyl orphanage and for breaking a public promise to society, I ask President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev to dismiss the Akim of Almaty Region, Marat Sultangaziyev, said Bakytzhan Bazarbek.

Earlier today, President Toqayev officially canceled the planned relocation of the children from Almaty to Qonayev.

The decision came after growing public pressure and reports of physical confrontations between orphanage residents and police.

Toqayev has since ordered that the orphanage building in Baganashyl be repaired and transferred to the city’s balance sheet. He also announced the launch of an official investigation into the matter.

Currently, Almaty Akim Darkhan Satybaldy and Minister of Education Gani Beisembayev are at the orphanage assessing the situation.

Work is being carried out jointly with Akim Darkhan Satybaldy to ensure safe living conditions and organize the educational process for the children. Given the current circumstances, psychological support will also be provided. ll rights of orphans guaranteed by law will be strictly observed, the Ministry of Education said in a statement.

The media was the first to report that the regional administration had gone back on its promise not to relocate the children. In response, the children themselves recorded a video appeal to the president, pleading to stay.

Original Author: Alexandra Mokhireva