Kanat Niyazbekov, the former commander-in-chief of the Kazakh Navy, was arrested on October 6 as part of a criminal investigation into the deaths of 14 servicemen during military exercises in the Caspian Sea.
Niyazbekov is suspected of negligent conduct. Following his arrest, he was placed in temporary detention while the pre-trial process continues.
A statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that Niyazbekov’s arrest was authorized by the court.
On October 3, President Tokayev dismissed Niyazbekov from his position as commander-in-chief of the country’s naval forces following an investigation into the incident. The Kazakh Defense Ministry attributed the deaths to a sharp deterioration in meteorological conditions and increased wind speeds. President Tokayev also declared September 25 a day of mourning for the victims.
Coastal nations are sounding the alarm about the potential environmental consequences of the Caspian Sea’s gradual shallowing.
