First Day of Perizat Kairat Trial Held

The main trial of public figure Perizat Kairat and her mother, Gainy Alashbayeva, began in Astana. The proceedings raised concerns about transparency and openness in the judicial process, reports Orda.kz.

The Begining

The launch of a case of nationwide interest went unreported by any media outlet. Only a few were informed of the room and start time by lawyers or court insiders.

For the main trial, it was initially promised that journalists would be allowed into the courtroom in small groups to photograph and film participants. However, on the morning of the trial, the judge changed that arrangement, citing potential disruptions to court proceedings.

Journalists were required to remain in a separate broadcast room with multiple tables and chairs centered around a single television.

Video recording by the media was initially prohibited as well, justified by the claim that the court’s internal recordings would be made available despite long-standing difficulties obtaining them.

Following the preliminary hearings, the court ruled to conduct the trial partially behind closed doors. Initially, it was stated that most sessions would be open, with media access restricted only during testimony from the defendants. Ultimately, the press was not allowed into the courtroom.

Prosecutors’ Opening Statements

Prosecutors Madina Orazalina and Arman Kiziken presented the indictment in a manner that some observers compared to a public reprimand.

During her statement, Orazalina said Perizat Kairat had “incomplete secondary education,” raising questions about whether she completed school or if this was a misstatement referring to incomplete vocational or higher education.

Official records show no diploma from the University of Nottingham, as claimed in investor profiles. Likewise, in an Instagram post where Kairat wrote:

From the Kazakh people — one more student of Cambridge University. This is the best birthday present. Mom, thank you for giving me life and the opportunity to study in these walls. 

Allegedly, she never obtained a Cambridge degree.

According to prosecutor Kiziken, Perizat Kairat spent funds allegedly collected through public donations on personal purchases:

Perizat Kairat flew from Astana to Türkiye. While in Istanbul, she spent 6,687,668 tenge at the BVLGARI market. On April 18, 2024, she made purchases in Astana stores ‘Shapan Boutique,’ Dolce & Gabbana, and Code De Vie totaling 5,987,250 tenge. Between May 6–8, 2024, while in the UAE, she spent 14,430,516 tenge in stores.

The prosecutors listed multiple financial transactions and alleged that Kairat spread false information about herself and her business ventures while appealing to public organizations for funding. 

One such organization was “Batyr,” which works on rehabilitation for children with disabilities.

According to investigators, Kairat agreed with Batyr’s director, Aigul Bulatova, to raise funds through her foundation to support the construction of a rehabilitation center. Donations were collected via auction, including a pair of boxing gloves from Gennady Golovkin, sold for 10 million tenge. 

The center was never built, and Kairat reportedly stopped responding to Bulatova.

This incident is one of several included in the case. Others involve fundraising for flood victims and children in Palestine. According to the court, the case materials span about 50 volumes.

Criminal Charges

Prosecutors stated that Perizat Kairat faces charges under:

• Article 190, Part 4, Paragraph 2 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan (Fraud) – three episodes
  
• Article 218, Part 2, Paragraph 1 (Money laundering by a group by prior agreement)
  
• Article 218, Part 3, Paragraph 3 (Money laundering on a particularly large scale)

Her mother, Gainy Alashbayeva, is charged under the same provisions.

Neither Kairat nor her mother admitted guilt. Kairat stated that the accusations are fabrications and that she plans to defend herself.

During the trial, the name of former Nur Otan party chair and ex-Akim of Almaty, Baurzhan Baibek, was repeatedly mentioned.

The indictment claims I founded the public organization (Biz Birgemiz Qazaqstan 2030) with my mother and forged other founders’ signatures. That’s not true — the organization was established under the Nur Otan party, led by Baurzhan Baibek,
said Kairat.

In the afternoon session, six out of nine co-founders of Biz Birgemiz Qazaqstan 2030 were questioned. Each mentioned Baibek in connection with the founding of the organization.

The full list of co-founders includes:

• Perizat Kairat
  
• Aigerim Serikzhanova
  
• Arslanbek Magzum
  
• Shadiyar Turganbayev
  
• Aruzhan Amanbay
  
• Tokhtar Bolysov
  
• Damir Khismatullin
  
• Gulnaz Seitkamal
  
• Ayan Khafiz
  
• Sergey Matyushenko

Most were young volunteers at the time. Some confirmed signing the initial formation documents, while others denied signing a second protocol or said they learned of their co-founder status from the media.

Having completed the questioning of witnesses whose appearance was ensured that day, the court moved on to studying the case materials. 

Technical Difficulties

After the session, journalists were informed they would no longer be allowed into the Zoom broadcast of the proceedings. This was attributed to technical issues allegedly caused by the number of participants.

Journalists in the chat disputed this explanation, reporting that the connection had been stable. The court’s press service reiterated that media were still allowed to use the in-house video room — a room that provided limited visibility and sound.

Despite these restrictions, the hearing continued with document review.

Orda.kz will continue to follow developments in this case closely.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya