Mazhilis deputy Bolatbek Aliyev reacted sharply to a question from journalist Aqbope Tanirbergen about why entrepreneurs seek to become deputies.
As the journalist reported on her Instagram page, the question was asked as part of her professional work, but the deputy's reaction was unexpectedly harsh.
In response, Aliyev asked counter-questions, calling the framing of the topic inappropriate.
"Why then do teachers become deputies? Why do journalists become deputies?" he said.
The deputy also stressed that he considers such a distinction to be discriminatory.
"Why are you dividing people? This is discrimination. Are entrepreneurs one type of people and journalists another, or what?" Aliyev said.
He expressed displeasure and stated his intention to contact the management of the television channel where the journalist works. He then ended the conversation.
Recall that in November, the Almaty City Court terminated proceedings in an administrative case against journalist Mikhail Kozachkov, whom deputy Bolatbek Aliyev had tried to hold liable for slander. The court indicated that there was no evidence of an offence.
In his publications, which gave rise to the deputy's complaint, the journalist referred to materials from open sources and a sentence handed down 25 years ago.
As Kozachkov claimed, in 1999 Aliyev was convicted of an official crime related to the illegal border crossing of a truck carrying flour and the destruction of documents. The journalist noted that the punishment was later replaced by an amnesty, and the official himself was dismissed from the customs service.