The Head of State was briefed on the first results of the commission inspecting the Ministry of Defense. Commission chair Aida Balayeva presented conclusions on the main areas of the inspection. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Preliminary investigation results showed that gross errors were made during the planning of military activities and that there was no proper oversight from the previous leadership. The Head of State stated that initial personnel decisions had been made, but all officials guilty of the deaths of servicemen must be held accountable in accordance with the law.
This issue remains under the President's personal control. "Based on the results of the first stage of the inspection, criminal prosecution authorities have opened 13 criminal cases concerning the embezzlement of state property, abuse of office, as well as other violations of the law in the activities of organizations and structural units subordinate to the Ministry of Defense," the statement reads.
During the study of the circumstances of the tragedy in the Mangystau region, significant shortcomings were identified regarding risk assessment during the preparation and planning of training exercises, the organization of airborne operations, and ensuring the safety of servicemen. Pre-trial investigations into the criminal negligence of the command staff are ongoing.
After the investigation is completed, their actions will be given a final legal assessment. "Along with this, significant shortcomings in military discipline and preventive work were identified. Facts of hazing and actions contrary to regulations were exposed, and criminal cases were opened," commission representatives say.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev instructed the Commission, together with the new leadership of the Ministry of Defense, to develop concrete proposals to eliminate the identified shortcomings. It was previously reported that there were personnel changes in the akimat of the Mangystau region.