Qandyagash Akim Faces Court Over Assault Allegations

Kazbek Akkaiyr, akim of Kandyagash in the Aqtobe Region, has appeared in court. He is accused of assaulting a woman with whom he had an affair, Orda.kz reports.

In court, the woman testified that she first met him in 2021. Akkaiyr admitted he would not leave his family but promised "not to harm her or his wife." Several years later, he allegedly used force against her for the first time.

According to her, the incident occurred in the akim’s office. During an argument, he allegedly choked her and struck her several times on the head and face.

I've known Akkayir since 2021. We first met on social media, then we started a relationship. He said he was married, but promised, 'I won't leave my family, I won't hurt you.' The relationship continued. In December 2024, he used force. For the first time in my life, a man raised his hand against me. I was in shock. I actually had injuries. He choked me and punched me. He grabbed me by the neck and dragged me against the wall,she stated in court. 

Akkayir denies the charges, calling them slander.

Employees of the akimat and local bloggers were summoned as witnesses. According to the woman, some of them tried to pressure her into withdrawing her complaint.

The woman is a teacher and single mother of three children.

My boss called me at work and said, 'I'm getting a call from above. If you need the job, figure it out for yourself. You're alone with the kids.' Bloggers were also pressuring me. They wanted me to drop the lawsuit.

The trial is ongoing, with the defendant’s interrogation still ahead.

Akkayir has been akim of Qandyagash since July 2024 and has already received two disciplinary reprimands.

Original Author: Ardak Yerubaeva