Brother of Ex-Minister Seeks Full Acquittal in Nukenova Murder Case

Bakhytzhan Baizhanov, convicted in the case of Saltanat Nukenova's murder, has filed for a full acquittal. His defense team has submitted cassation appeals to the judicial authorities.

The cassation appeals were filed by lawyers Serikov and Kuldeeva. Attorney Serikov is requesting the annulment of both the first-instance court's verdict and the appellate decision, seeking Baizhanov's complete exoneration on the grounds that his actions lack the elements of a criminal offense. Lawyer Kuldeeva, while not demanding acquittal, is petitioning for a mitigation of his sentence.

The case is now under consideration by the cassation court, with a hearing scheduled for May 14, 2026.

Bakhytzhan Baizhanov is the brother of former Minister of National Economy Kuandyk Bishimbayev. He was found guilty under Article 432 of the Criminal Code for concealing a crime related to Nukenova's death. On May 13, 2024, a specialized inter-district court in Astana sentenced him to four years in prison.

Baizhanov was detained on November 12, 2023. His sentence is being served in a medium-security facility in Stepnogorsk. Following an amnesty application tied to the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan's Constitution, his remaining term was reduced by one-third. Consequently, his final sentence amounts to 1 year, 4 months, and 17 days. His expected release date is now December 2026.

The murder case stems from the night of November 9, 2023, when Saltanat Nukenova died after being beaten by Kuandyk Bishimbayev at the BAU restaurant. On May 13 last year, Bishimbayev was convicted of torture and murder and sentenced to 24 years in prison.

The trial became one of Kazakhstan's most high-profile cases, sparking widespread public discussion on domestic violence and leading to legislative reforms aimed at strengthening protections for women and children.