(12 January 2026 | Source: FBRK)
A publication about the detention of the former head of the passenger transport and highways department of the East Kazakhstan region, Daniyar Uakhitov, and his official biography has prompted an official response from the East Kazakhstan region akimat. In a comment beneath the article, it is claimed that the disseminated information is unreliable, yet the text of the response contains no indication of specific errors or distortions.
WHAT PROMPTED THE RESPONSE
On 9 January, FBRK published an article, based on information from open sources and Telegram channels, about the detention of the former head of the passenger transport and highways department of the East Kazakhstan region, Daniyar Uakhitov. It was reported that he is suspected of accepting a bribe on an especially large scale. The publication also included details about his official biography and personnel appointments in the region.
It was separately mentioned that the detention occurred amid public outcry surrounding the collapse of the Shnayderovsky Bridge in Ust-Kamenogorsk, as well as Uakhitov's subsequent dismissal from his post.
CONTACTS WITH THE EDITORIAL OFFICE
On the morning of 10 January, calls and messages began arriving at the editorial office from individuals claiming to be employees of the East Kazakhstan region akimat. They asserted that the published article contained unreliable information and demanded that the publication be removed. However, when asked to specify which details were inaccurate, no concrete explanations were provided.
COMMENT BENEATH THE PUBLICATION
Later, a comment appeared beneath the news item, published on behalf of the East Kazakhstan region akimat, claiming that "knowingly false and unreliable information" is being spread online, based on "an arbitrary interpretation of facts" and unsupported by official clarifications from authorised bodies. The statement emphasises that the publications are defamatory in nature and are aimed at discrediting the akim of the region, Nurymbet Saktaganov.
EDITORIAL POSITION
The editorial board of FBRK emphasises that it is not the original source of the information and used data previously published in open sources. The article employed wording consistent with the pre-trial investigation stage, without asserting the guilt of any individuals.
At the time of publication, the editorial board had not received any official documents or clarifications indicating which specific details in the article are considered unreliable. FBRK continues to await a reasoned position specifying the particular facts that have given rise to the objections.