Three Officials Dismissed in Connection With Baganashyl Orphanage Scandal

Two department heads were recently dismissed, and it has now been confirmed that the deputy akim of the Almaty region has also left his position, Orda.kz reports.

Reports emerged last week that Education Department head Saltanat Bespayeva and Internal Policy Department head Yerik Abitov left their posts in connection with the controversy surrounding the orphanage in Baganashyl. 

The information was officially confirmed today. According to the regional Education Department, a total of three officials have been dismissed.

In agreement with the administration of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, deputy akim of the region, Bolat Kurenbekov, has been dismissed from his post. Also dismissed from their posts are the head of the education department Saltanat Bespayeva and the head of the internal policy department, Yerik Abitov, the department said in a statement.

The first deputy akim of the region also received a severe reprimand. The Education Department did not name this individual, but according to the regional akimat’s website, the post is held by Nurlan Abdrakhim.

The situation regarding the Baganashyl orphanage intensified on July 21, when an attempt was made to relocate the children to Qonayev. 

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev then intervened in the matter, halting the relocation.

Original Author: Igor Ulitin