Presidential Administration Launches Probe Into Relocation of Almaty Orphans, Commission Arrives

The Presidential Administration has formed a special commission to investigate the controversial forced relocation of children from the Baganashyl orphanage in Almaty to the city of Qonayev, Orda.kz reports.

Commission members are currently at the orphanage, where they have met with the institution’s director, its children, and local education officials. The team also inspected the facility and assessed the conditions in which the orphans are living.

Currently, the collection and analysis of documentation related to the decision to move is underway. Special attention will be paid to compliance with all social and legal guarantees provided by law in relation to orphans, the Presidential Administration said in a statement.

The investigation follows a public outcry over a July 21 incident, when orphans attempted to block a bus from taking children away as part of the relocation. Law enforcement officers responded with force. Deputy Bakytzhan Bazarbek and children’s rights advocate Aruzhan Sain arrived at the scene soon after.

Shortly thereafter, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev ordered the relocation to be halted.

Original Author: Alexandra Mokhireva