Toqayev Intervenes in Baganashyl Case, Cancels Relocation of Orphans to Qonayev

Following public outcry over the forced relocation of children from the Baganashyl orphanage in Almaty to the city of Qonayev, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev has stepped in.

The President ordered the cancellation of what had been described as a "voluntary" move, Orda.kz reports.

Presidential adviser Ruslan Zheldibay announced that Toqayev has instructed authorities to preserve the orphanage in its current location.

Almaty Akim Darkhan Satybaldy is now tasked with carrying out major renovations to the facility and transferring it to the city’s balance sheet so that the children can continue living and studying in a familiar environment.

On the instructions of the head of state, the relocation of children has been cancelled. In connection with the current situation, an official investigation has been launched and will be conducted by the Presidential Administration. All legal rights of the orphans will be fully upheld, emphasized Ruslan Zheldibay.

Today, at the gates of Orphanage No. 1 in Baganashyl, children blocked the road to stop buses from the Adaptation Center from leaving. One girl fainted, and a boy sustained an arm injury.

Police and ambulance services were called to the scene.

Earlier, an Orda.kz journalist visited both the old orphanage building and the proposed new facility, speaking with the children to understand why they were so strongly opposed to the move to Qonayev.

Original Author: Alina Pak