EXPO-2017: Court Denies Parole to Yermegiyayev

The Almaty Region Court of Appeal upheld the earlier decision to deny parole to former Astana EXPO-2017 chair  Talgat Yermegiyayev, despite his good behavior in prison and partial repayment of damages, Orda.kz reports.

Lawyer Anara Kussainova told an Orda.kz journalist:

Yermegiyayev has already served nine years — more than two-thirds of his sentence — which made him eligible to apply for parole. He also holds the highest positive behavior rating and has repaid 935 million tenge in damages.

Colony officials previously noted his discipline, participation in community service, and eight commendations for good behavior.

However, the court sided with the prosecutor’s office and ruled this was insufficient for release.

In 2016, Yermegiyayev was convicted of embezzling 780 million tenge and sentenced to 14 years in a maximum-security facility with confiscation of property. Before leading EXPO between 2013 and 2015, he served as Minister of Tourism and Sports.

His defense maintains the case was based on questionable testimony from a mentally ill witness obtained under duress.

Earlier, the Anti-Corruption Service resumed its investigation into the EXPO case, looking into claims that stolen funds were moved offshore. This followed a high-profile interview with former deputy company head Murat Omarov, who alleged the case was fabricated and the real culprits went unpunished.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov