Ex-head of Kazakhstani secret service asks president for pardon

According to KNB, there are two more pre-trial investigations against Massimov / Photo: Shutterstock, photo editor: Aruzhan Makhsotova

Ex-head of the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan (KNB) Karim Massimov, serving his 18-year sentence for treason and attempting a coup, has written to the president of Kazakhstan asking for a pardon, according to Informburo.kz.

«In March 2024, he (Karim Massimov) sent a petition asking the president of Kazakhstan for a pardon,» the KNB told the media outlet.

The law enforcement agency also said it is investigating two more pre-trial cases against Massimov, who is also accused of laundering money or other property obtained by illegal means and taking especially large bribes.

In April 2023, Massimov was sentenced to 18 years in jail for treason, coupe and abuse of power. His three deputies – Anuar Sadykulov, Daulet Yergozhin and Marat Osipov – have been serving the same sentence. In early January 2022, the KNB reported the arrest of Massimov.

Even though all the details of his case were classified, Massimov was announced as the key figure behind the January 2022 events in Kazakhstan. At the time, 238 people died during the mass protest and the following crackdown by the police and army.