Information has been circulating on social media that the head of the Emergency Situations Department of the Akmola Region, Bakytzhan Alashov, had previously been subject to criminal prosecution. The Ministry of Emergency Situations has confirmed this fact, but has clarified the circumstances.
"Bakytzhan Alashov was dismissed from both the prosecutor's office and the AFM at his own request," media reported, citing the press service of the Ministry of Emergency Situations.
The department explained that Alashov had indeed previously been involved in a criminal case, but it was dismissed by a ruling of the cassation panel of the Mangystau Regional Court due to the absence of a criminal offence.
"In accordance with the requirements of Article 37 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a person acquitted by a court, as well as a suspect, accused, or defendant in respect of whom a court ruling or a criminal prosecution body ruling has been issued to terminate the criminal case on the grounds provided for in paragraphs 1), 2), 5), 6), 7) and 8) of part one of Article 35 of this Code, shall be subject to rehabilitation, that is, restoration of rights, and shall not be subject to any restrictions on the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan," the statement said.
At the same time, the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that it had initiated an internal investigation into the disclosure of restricted access official materials.