Parents of Soldiers Who Died in the Army Appeal to Toqayev

Parents of servicemen who died during peacetime in the Kazakh army gathered at the Ministry House in Astana. They reject the official explanation for their children’s deaths, calling it absurd, and are demanding thorough investigations into each case, Orda.kz reports.

The group recorded a video appeal to President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev.

We are the parents of soldiers who died while serving in the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan. We have repeatedly appealed for the criminal cases opened in connection with their deaths to be investigated fairly. Our children were killed. The military investigative bodies and the military prosecutor’s office are doing everything they can to close these cases as suicides. Mr. Toqayev, if you are truly our President, we ask you to turn your face toward us. We are not asking for anything more — just a fair investigation,they said in the video message. 

The parents had previously held a demonstration on May 7, Defender of the Fatherland Day, demanding honest and transparent investigations. They say they have expert reports that dispute the official versions of events, which typically rule the deaths as suicides.

Orda.kz has reported on peacetime soldier deaths in the Kazakh army in the past.

Commenting on the situation, Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces Mereke Kuchekbayev said society should rely only on official sources of information.

Despite most cases being closed to the public, a rare open trial was held last year by a military court in the case of the killing of conscript Marat Barkulov in Mangystau.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya