Mother Questions Official Account of National Guard Conscript’s Death in Oral

In April, 18-year-old Umirbek Esbergenov died while serving in Kazakhstan’s National Guard. He was stationed with Unit No. 5517 in Oral (Uralsk). A native of the village of Balykshy in the Atyrau region, Yesbergenov’s death has raised questions from his mother, Aina Yesbergenova, who disputes the official version and believes the true circumstances are being concealed, Orda.kz reports.

The official cause of death was listed as sudden cardiac arrest. However, according to his mother, Umirbek had no chronic illnesses and was healthy and physically strong before being conscripted.

She says she personally saw signs of beatings on her son’s body and believes his death was the result of foul play.

"It's My Duty"

Umirbek grew up active and independent. He did well in school, played football, and took part in competitions. From his teenage years, he worked part-time and supported himself. Before his conscription, he was a third-year student at the Atyrau Industrial College.

He could have postponed his service, but he decided to go himself. He said it was his duty,
his mother said.

During his service, Umirbek remained in constant contact with his family and often asked for money transfers.

According to his mother, it later emerged that he was not the only soldier receiving such funds.

We transferred money to various people, mainly to a soldier who had served longer than him. After my son’s death, we discovered that all the transfers were going to the same account. The investigation, in my opinion, failed to assess these facts,
 she said.

Aina Yesbergenova said her last conversation with her son took place on April 7. Two days later, officers arrived at the family’s home and informed them of his death.

She traveled to Oral to collect her son’s body herself. At the morgue, she said, she saw injuries, including bruises, swelling on the head, and marks consistent with blows.

She later learned from fellow service members that Umirbek had been on duty for several days without rest.

According to these accounts, he fell asleep from exhaustion and was then physically assaulted. Yesbergenova believes the violence was carried out by commanders and senior soldiers.

Despite these allegations, the official findings of the investigation have not changed, and claims of beatings have been denied.

Yesbergenova says the case has not been given a fair legal assessment.

The people I believe were involved in my son’s death remain free,
 she said.

The Orda.kz editorial team said it is ready to publish the position of the relevant authorities.

Original Author: Daniel Arturov