The Pardon Review Commission has refused a pardon to the former head of the National Security Committee, Karim Massimov.
According to the Telegram channel ‘Azattyq – Азаттык’, this was reported by the chairman of the commission, Mazhilis deputy Marat Bashimov. In his words, the commission’s decision will now be sent to the head of state, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Meanwhile, another Mazhilis member, Abzal Kuspan, stated that ‘since the issue of a pardon is not regulated by criminal legislation, the grounds for refusal are not disclosed’.
According to him, the commission’s decision is a recommendation; the final decision will be made by the President.
For context, in April 2023, Karim Massimov was sentenced to 18 years in prison for treason, attempting a forcible seizure of power, abuse of power, and exceeding official authority. It was also reported that in March of this year, he submitted a pardon request addressed to the President.