Bek Air Crash Case: Deputy Prime Minister Says Justice Must Prevail

Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev has commented on the ongoing trial regarding the 2019 Bek Air plane crash, where the deceased pilots have been named as the accused. He emphasized that justice must prevail regardless of the influence of individuals connected to the airline's leadership, Orda.kz reports.

Journalists asked Bozumbayev whether he considered it fair that responsibility for the crash was placed on pilots who died and are unable to defend themselves.

From the standpoint of whether this is fair or not — that is for the court to decide. It may not even be the pilots’ fault. The investigation should provide the final answer. Many people died. No matter how influential those behind Bek Air may be, my personal view is that justice must prevail, and the families of the victims should receive compensation,
 Bozumbayev said at a August 7 government press conference.

He also clarified that he is not involved in the Bek Air crash investigation:

Six years ago, I had no connection to this sector. I’m not currently responsible for it either. When major incidents occur — such as incidents involving more than five fatalities — the law on civil protection mandates the formation of a government commission. In the case of the recent Azal plane crash, I headed that commission and provided you with a detailed briefing.

In the trial, the deceased pilots — Marat Muratbayev and Mirzhan Muldakulov — were officially named as defendants. However, not all participants in the case agree with this position.

During the hearing, Nurzhan Kairatuly, a prosecutor from the Main Transport Prosecutor’s Office, read out the expert findings, stating that the pilots’ actions were largely shaped by the airline’s policies, which prioritized commercial interests over safety.

The December 2019 crash claimed the lives of 12 passengers and the aircraft’s captain.

Co-pilot Mirzhan Muldakulov passed away a month after the incident.
 
Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova