Қаз Рус
Serik Medetbekov

Serik Medetbekov

General Information

General Information

Medetbekov Serik Rakhimbaevich was born on November 23, 1961 in Alma-Ata.

In 1979 he graduated from secondary school No. 120, in 1984 – the Kazakh Agricultural Institute, the faculty of "Organization and Technology of Machine Repair", in 1989 – the Tashkent Institute of Communications with a degree in Television and Radio Broadcasting.

Creator of the country's first private radio stations – Radio RIK and Talk Radio.

Head of the foreign bureau of the opposition of Kazakhstan.

Labor activity:
  • 1992-1999 – President of the TV and radio company "RIK" (included several major projects, including "Russian Radio", Radio RIK, radio MBC, Talk radio, animation studio RIK and so on).
  • 1999 – BBC, London, management of broadcasting companies.
  • 1999-2003 – Head of the North American office of the RNPK party.

Escape story

Escape story

Serik Medetbekov, the founder of the RIK television and radio company, who left Kazakhstan back in 1999, a few years later, in May 2005, filed a complaint with the Medeu District Court of Almaty, in which he accused Nursultan Nazarbayev's family members of raiding. Then, this case did not receive publicity.

However, in the spring of 2022, a copy of Medetbekov's statement was at the disposal of the KazTAG editors.
"In the early 90s in Alma-Ata, I established and actively worked the RIK television and radio company. One of the most famous projects within the RIK television and radio company is the Russian Radio project, which in 1998-1999 was in the lead in the list of the most popular radio stations. Currently, the project "Russian Radio" is a national radio network. At that time, I was not involved in politics, but I tried to maintain independence and clearly competed with media magnates from the Nazarbayev family – Dariga Nursultanovna and Rakhat Aliyev (Nazarbayeva's ex-husband, died in 2015 in an Austrian prison – KazTAG). He suffered for this," Medetbekov said in a statement.
“
"In the early 90s in Alma-Ata, I established and actively worked the RIK television and radio company. One of the most famous projects within the RIK television and radio company is the Russian Radio project, which in 1998-1999 was in the lead in the list of the most popular radio stations. Currently, the project "Russian Radio" is a national radio network. At that time, I was not involved in politics, but I tried to maintain independence and clearly competed with media magnates from the Nazarbayev family – Dariga Nursultanovna and Rakhat Aliyev (Nazarbayeva's ex-husband, died in 2015 in an Austrian prison – KazTAG). He suffered for this," Medetbekov said in a statement.
He specified that in the summer of 1999 he "came into conflict with a powerful family.
"My life was in real danger. In August 1999 I had to flee from Kazakhstan to Canada and apply for political asylum. Since 1999 I have lived in Montreal, Canada. In May 1999, in London, I met with A. M. Kazhegeldin (Akezhan, ex-premier of Kazakhstan – KazTAG). Events began to develop from the end of May 1999, after my arrival from London. At that time, the leadership of KTK (JSC "Commercial Television Channel", one of the well-known television companies in the republic) began to change, and in fact the channel was headed by I.P. Yegarmin is the person who manages the finances and companies of Nazarbayeva and Aliyev," the businessman told the court.
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"My life was in real danger. In August 1999 I had to flee from Kazakhstan to Canada and apply for political asylum. Since 1999 I have lived in Montreal, Canada. In May 1999, in London, I met with A. M. Kazhegeldin (Akezhan, ex-premier of Kazakhstan – KazTAG). Events began to develop from the end of May 1999, after my arrival from London. At that time, the leadership of KTK (JSC "Commercial Television Channel", one of the well-known television companies in the republic) began to change, and in fact the channel was headed by I.P. Yegarmin is the person who manages the finances and companies of Nazarbayeva and Aliyev," the businessman told the court.
Medetbekov noted that, the Caravan, at that moment was already wholly owned by Nazarbayeva.
"After our London meeting with Kazhegeldin, Vadim Boreiko (then, still a leading CPC officer) made a report, which was immediately reported to Nazarbayeva. After our arrival, at the very first meeting with Nazarbayeva, Vladimir Roerich (at that time he was the chief editor – Nazarbayeva's deputy for Khabar) presented the case in such a way that I became one of Kazhegeldin's close people. Moreover, we became aware of the first facts of corruption at the highest level in the case, which later became known as "Kazakhgate", and we did not try to hide it.

Yegarmin Igor Petrovich liked this accusation, since he was constantly trying to introduce censorship on Russian Radio in the news that my journalists gave. As he explained, this was done at the request of Nazarbayeva. And since I never let him do that, he kept telling Nazarbayeva and Aliyev that I was an internal enemy. They repeatedly tried to put pressure on me, demanding to fire the most independent journalists and DJs. Also, one of the main requirements of Nazarbayeva was to reduce or completely close the rebroadcasting of independent programs from Deutsche Welle and the BBC," the media manager added.
“
"After our London meeting with Kazhegeldin, Vadim Boreiko (then, still a leading CPC officer) made a report, which was immediately reported to Nazarbayeva. After our arrival, at the very first meeting with Nazarbayeva, Vladimir Roerich (at that time he was the chief editor – Nazarbayeva's deputy for Khabar) presented the case in such a way that I became one of Kazhegeldin's close people. Moreover, we became aware of the first facts of corruption at the highest level in the case, which later became known as "Kazakhgate", and we did not try to hide it.

Yegarmin Igor Petrovich liked this accusation, since he was constantly trying to introduce censorship on Russian Radio in the news that my journalists gave. As he explained, this was done at the request of Nazarbayeva. And since I never let him do that, he kept telling Nazarbayeva and Aliyev that I was an internal enemy. They repeatedly tried to put pressure on me, demanding to fire the most independent journalists and DJs. Also, one of the main requirements of Nazarbayeva was to reduce or completely close the rebroadcasting of independent programs from Deutsche Welle and the BBC," the media manager added.
According to him, Egarmin is the person who managed the finances and companies of Nazarbayeva and Aliyev.
"He was personally introduced to Nazarbayeva as a trusted and responsible person. He was a Russian citizen, had a lot of unclosed financial "tails" in Moscow and at one time fled from there due to debts or crime, I don't know for sure. For a long time he was the general director of Rakhat's "Sugar Center" (a company created and controlled by Aliyev), and at the same time unofficially managed "Nurbank", his office was on the second floor of "Nurbank". Without his visa, not a single payment went through in all the companies owned by Nazarbayeva and Aliyev. It was he who organized the provocation with Bigeldin Gabdulin (former editor of the opposition newspaper "XXI Century") and, in the end, forced him to flee the country. Yegarmin currently resides with his family in Vienna, Austria," the statement said.
“
"He was personally introduced to Nazarbayeva as a trusted and responsible person. He was a Russian citizen, had a lot of unclosed financial "tails" in Moscow and at one time fled from there due to debts or crime, I don't know for sure. For a long time he was the general director of Rakhat's "Sugar Center" (a company created and controlled by Aliyev), and at the same time unofficially managed "Nurbank", his office was on the second floor of "Nurbank". Without his visa, not a single payment went through in all the companies owned by Nazarbayeva and Aliyev. It was he who organized the provocation with Bigeldin Gabdulin (former editor of the opposition newspaper "XXI Century") and, in the end, forced him to flee the country. Yegarmin currently resides with his family in Vienna, Austria," the statement said.
According to the businessman, in 1998 he was "forced to sign an agreement with the advertising agency of the radio company Europe Plus Kazakhstan, owned by Nazarbayeva and Aliyev, "threatened to close" his radio stations "and take away the frequencies on which the radio stations broadcast." The agency, he clarified, was headed by G. Vashchenkov.
"According to this forced agreement, payment for all advertising on the RIK television and radio company went formally through the Europa Plus settlement account, but in fact through the Khabar TV and radio company. As it became known to us later, up to $50,000 a month passed through the advertising agency "Europe Plus", which they did not fix anywhere and did not transfer to us, citing the fact that the money goes to the presidential election campaign (1998-1999).

Although Dariga Nazarbayeva did not react to my remark that the illegal financing of N.A. Nazarbayev's election campaign is absolutely illegal, and in the future may cast doubt on the legitimacy of the president. However, I have kept copies of some of the documents relating to this aspect. After I was accused of collaborating with Kazhegeldin, since June 1999 all phones in our office were tapped. We were informed about this by specialists whom we hired for verification," Medetbekov told the court.
“
"According to this forced agreement, payment for all advertising on the RIK television and radio company went formally through the Europa Plus settlement account, but in fact through the Khabar TV and radio company. As it became known to us later, up to $50,000 a month passed through the advertising agency "Europe Plus", which they did not fix anywhere and did not transfer to us, citing the fact that the money goes to the presidential election campaign (1998-1999).

Although Dariga Nazarbayeva did not react to my remark that the illegal financing of N.A. Nazarbayev's election campaign is absolutely illegal, and in the future may cast doubt on the legitimacy of the president. However, I have kept copies of some of the documents relating to this aspect. After I was accused of collaborating with Kazhegeldin, since June 1999 all phones in our office were tapped. We were informed about this by specialists whom we hired for verification," Medetbekov told the court.
At the same time, according to him, the transfer of the due money for advertising on the RIK radio station was stopped.
"Threatening calls began from Yegarmin's people. Yegarmin himself met with me several times and eventually gave me an ultimatum. He said that they were taking the radio station away from me and that if I did not voluntarily hand over the cases to the new director, they would start a criminal tax case against me. And as a preventive measure, they will be imprisoned until the trial.

Knowing the level of corruption and bias of the Kazakh courts, I realized that it would not be difficult to bring the threat to Nazarbayeva's people. I was asked to fire all employees (journalists and DJs) from July 1, 1999. I pretended to agree to buy time, change the founders and re-register documents. Igilmanov I.A. (Ismail – KazTAG) was sent to me as a new director," the media manager added.
“
"Threatening calls began from Yegarmin's people. Yegarmin himself met with me several times and eventually gave me an ultimatum. He said that they were taking the radio station away from me and that if I did not voluntarily hand over the cases to the new director, they would start a criminal tax case against me. And as a preventive measure, they will be imprisoned until the trial.

Knowing the level of corruption and bias of the Kazakh courts, I realized that it would not be difficult to bring the threat to Nazarbayeva's people. I was asked to fire all employees (journalists and DJs) from July 1, 1999. I pretended to agree to buy time, change the founders and re-register documents. Igilmanov I.A. (Ismail – KazTAG) was sent to me as a new director," the media manager added.
After that, according to him, at his office "vehicles with a driver and a machine gunner began to be on duty, it was the same near the house."
"Through my people, I learned that Igilmanov handed over fake copies of the accounting documents of the RIK advertising agency. They began to fabricate a criminal case against me and secretly prepare a studio to transfer Russian Radio to Republic Square, 13 (the place where the television and radio companies Khabar, NTK, Hit FM, Europe Plus, owned by Nazarbayeva, were located). "At the same time, Igilmanov came to the ARTPS several times with his people and tried to take out my equipment using false power of attorney and invoices. And only thanks to the vigilance of the chief economist of the ARTPS, he failed to do this. All this time, threatening calls to me continued," the businessman informed.
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"Through my people, I learned that Igilmanov handed over fake copies of the accounting documents of the RIK advertising agency. They began to fabricate a criminal case against me and secretly prepare a studio to transfer Russian Radio to Republic Square, 13 (the place where the television and radio companies Khabar, NTK, Hit FM, Europe Plus, owned by Nazarbayeva, were located). "At the same time, Igilmanov came to the ARTPS several times with his people and tried to take out my equipment using false power of attorney and invoices. And only thanks to the vigilance of the chief economist of the ARTPS, he failed to do this. All this time, threatening calls to me continued," the businessman informed.
He clarified that prior to these events, Igilmanov worked for him as the director of an advertising agency from 1997 to 1999 and had access to all documents, print, and had the right to sign.
"However, as it turned out, he cashed money through my company without paying taxes and stole $ 2.5 thousand from the cash register. It also turned out that he was responsible for a negligent murder, which he tried to cover up, but at that time the case was never closed (he killed the brother of one of the leaders of the Alatau District Department of Internal Affairs). We decided not to take the theft case to court, but I kicked him out for forging documents. After I kicked out Igilmanov, Yegarmin immediately hired him and he began working with Eset Kosubaev at the ART Center.

In August, after a press conference, I became aware that they would try to arrest me at the apartment, so we urgently moved out to relatives, took out things at night, five suitcases, and left the rest. On August 5, 1999, we flew abroad, as we could no longer hide in Kazakhstan. Our people led us through the border, otherwise we simply would not have passed it. I am sure that most of the documents of this period have been deliberately destroyed or are being destroyed by Nazarbayeva's people. But I think that the truth will sooner or later become known to Kazakhstanis," concluded Medetbekov.
“
"However, as it turned out, he cashed money through my company without paying taxes and stole $ 2.5 thousand from the cash register. It also turned out that he was responsible for a negligent murder, which he tried to cover up, but at that time the case was never closed (he killed the brother of one of the leaders of the Alatau District Department of Internal Affairs). We decided not to take the theft case to court, but I kicked him out for forging documents. After I kicked out Igilmanov, Yegarmin immediately hired him and he began working with Eset Kosubaev at the ART Center.

In August, after a press conference, I became aware that they would try to arrest me at the apartment, so we urgently moved out to relatives, took out things at night, five suitcases, and left the rest. On August 5, 1999, we flew abroad, as we could no longer hide in Kazakhstan. Our people led us through the border, otherwise we simply would not have passed it. I am sure that most of the documents of this period have been deliberately destroyed or are being destroyed by Nazarbayeva's people. But I think that the truth will sooner or later become known to Kazakhstanis," concluded Medetbekov.

Exposing the fugitive

Exposing the fugitive

Almost immediately after the publication of the material on the KazTAG resource, a publication was published in which Ismail Igelmanov, General Director of Europe Plus Kazakhstan, told his version of those distant events.

Speaking about the emergence of "Russian Radio Asia" in Kazakhstan, he noted that in 1997 the state announced the first tender for the purchase of TV and radio broadcasting frequencies. As a result of the tender, RIK LLP could not pay for its own frequency (104.7) and it went to LLP Telefabrika Dala, owned by Dastan Kadyrzhanov at that time. "Dala Telefabrika" subsequently "leased" this frequency to Serik Medetbekov for broadcasting radio "RIK".
"That is, already in 1997, after the tender, the RIK radio did not have its own frequency. I do not know how and under what conditions the Russian Radio tie-ins were broadcast on the RIK radio. How and why the advertising agency "Europe Plus" was engaged in sales of advertising time is also unknown to me. I only knew that Dala TV Factory was bought from Dastan Kadyrzhanov. And in the summer of 1999, I was offered to head the Telefabrika Dala company and created a new radio station on its basis. When I was hired for the position of General Director, we officially notified Radio RIK of the termination of the "agreement" for renting a frequency, although this "agreement" had no legal force, since under the terms of the "State License for Radio Broadcasting" frequencies are not allowed to be leased.

The contract for the broadcasting of Russian Radio in Kazakhstan was signed with LLP Radio RIK, and it was required to renew the contract for LLP Telefabrika Dala. The Moscow owners of Russian Radio immediately met us halfway and renegotiated the contract in favor of LLP Telefabrika Dala. Most of the employees, at my suggestion, transferred from radio "RIK" to work at LLP "Telefactory Dala". With the money allocated by the owner, we purchased the necessary new equipment, and began broadcasting the radio program "Russian Radio Kazakhstan" from August 30, 1999. In fact, Telefabrika Dala started broadcasting on its own frequency of 104.7 with the Russian Radio Kazakhstan brand, refusing the services of Radio RIK," Ismail Igilmanov explained.
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"That is, already in 1997, after the tender, the RIK radio did not have its own frequency. I do not know how and under what conditions the Russian Radio tie-ins were broadcast on the RIK radio. How and why the advertising agency "Europe Plus" was engaged in sales of advertising time is also unknown to me. I only knew that Dala TV Factory was bought from Dastan Kadyrzhanov. And in the summer of 1999, I was offered to head the Telefabrika Dala company and created a new radio station on its basis. When I was hired for the position of General Director, we officially notified Radio RIK of the termination of the "agreement" for renting a frequency, although this "agreement" had no legal force, since under the terms of the "State License for Radio Broadcasting" frequencies are not allowed to be leased.

The contract for the broadcasting of Russian Radio in Kazakhstan was signed with LLP Radio RIK, and it was required to renew the contract for LLP Telefabrika Dala. The Moscow owners of Russian Radio immediately met us halfway and renegotiated the contract in favor of LLP Telefabrika Dala. Most of the employees, at my suggestion, transferred from radio "RIK" to work at LLP "Telefactory Dala". With the money allocated by the owner, we purchased the necessary new equipment, and began broadcasting the radio program "Russian Radio Kazakhstan" from August 30, 1999. In fact, Telefabrika Dala started broadcasting on its own frequency of 104.7 with the Russian Radio Kazakhstan brand, refusing the services of Radio RIK," Ismail Igilmanov explained.
The author of the publication wondered why Serik Medetbekov so stubbornly calls Russian Radio his project, given that this project was originally Russian. But for the broken relationship, he wanted to negotiate compensation with the holding, but he did not achieve what he wanted.
"Then Medetbekov launched a campaign during which he tried to present what had happened as a raider seizure by the holding, poured mud on everyone, and began to consider me his personal enemy. At the same time, he fled to the West in the status of a political refugee. In the early 2000s, articles began to appear on the Internet about the capture of the radio, that his life was threatened, that we took away his frequency, technical equipment and workers, and personally I stole money from him and took his sisters to the mountains to torture. And that he was forced to leave the country precisely because of the pressure and threats against him and his family, and because his business was "taken away from him."

Meanwhile, legally, Medetbekov had nothing to do with the Telefactory Dala company and the frequency of 104.7, we did not touch his property – there was not a single screw on the radio from his former radio equipment, and people voluntarily went to work at a new radio station. In his publications, Serik Medetbekov operates with false facts, confuses dates and invents events that did not happen," Igilmanov said.
“
"Then Medetbekov launched a campaign during which he tried to present what had happened as a raider seizure by the holding, poured mud on everyone, and began to consider me his personal enemy. At the same time, he fled to the West in the status of a political refugee. In the early 2000s, articles began to appear on the Internet about the capture of the radio, that his life was threatened, that we took away his frequency, technical equipment and workers, and personally I stole money from him and took his sisters to the mountains to torture. And that he was forced to leave the country precisely because of the pressure and threats against him and his family, and because his business was "taken away from him."

Meanwhile, legally, Medetbekov had nothing to do with the Telefactory Dala company and the frequency of 104.7, we did not touch his property – there was not a single screw on the radio from his former radio equipment, and people voluntarily went to work at a new radio station. In his publications, Serik Medetbekov operates with false facts, confuses dates and invents events that did not happen," Igilmanov said.
The events of those years were also recalled by the deputy director of Europe Plus Kazakhstan, Gennady Vashchenkov, who in those years headed the advertising agency Europe Plus Kazakhstan.

With this agency in 1998, Medetbekov, in his own words, was "forced to sign an agreement." And then they "chased" the payment for advertising through the agency's settlement account, which, as Medetbekov allegedly later learned, went to finance the presidential election campaign.
"In the period from 1998 to the summer of 1999, I repeatedly met with Mr. Medetbekov, since an agreement was concluded between LLP Europe Plus Kazakhstan and LLP Radio RIK , according to which the advertising department of Europe Plus Kazakhstan searched for advertising and placing it on the air of LLP Radio RIK with the payment of an agency commission to Europe Plus Kazakhstan, – says Gennady Vashchenkov, – transfer contracts until their completion, in accordance with the register drawn up and certified by the parties ("Europe Plus" and "Radio RIK"). Contrary to this document, Serik Medetbekov made repeated attempts to advertise under the pretext of his own forgetfulness or distraction. In fact, I believe that these placement attempts were mercenary in nature and pursued the goal of illegal enrichment."
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"In the period from 1998 to the summer of 1999, I repeatedly met with Mr. Medetbekov, since an agreement was concluded between LLP Europe Plus Kazakhstan and LLP Radio RIK , according to which the advertising department of Europe Plus Kazakhstan searched for advertising and placing it on the air of LLP Radio RIK with the payment of an agency commission to Europe Plus Kazakhstan, – says Gennady Vashchenkov, – transfer contracts until their completion, in accordance with the register drawn up and certified by the parties ("Europe Plus" and "Radio RIK"). Contrary to this document, Serik Medetbekov made repeated attempts to advertise under the pretext of his own forgetfulness or distraction. In fact, I believe that these placement attempts were mercenary in nature and pursued the goal of illegal enrichment."
In the summer of 2012, on the basis of Medetbekov's application to the Russian prosecutor's office, Ismail Igilmanov and LLP Telefactory Dala became interested in the National Security Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan. All documents were confiscated from the accounting department of the company, and Igilmanov himself was regularly called to testify and was forbidden to leave the city on his own recognizance.

Also, other radio employees were called to the KNB, who also testified, in particular, Gennady Vashchenkov and the chief engineer of Russian Radio Alexander Makushin. The investigation, which lasted six months, showed that everything that Medetbekov wrote was not true.

Opposition Foreign Bureau – what is it?

Opposition Foreign Bureau – what is it?

The foreign bureau of the opposition of Kazakhstan was established in 2002. Then it was headed by Serik Medetbekov. This organization is strange and not entirely clear. Political analyst Aigul Omarova said best of all to the foreign bureau in an interview in 2020:
"What kind of foreign bureau are we talking about? Yes, there is an organization by that name. It is headed by Serik Medetbekov, the former founder and owner of Radio RIK. But, excuse me, apart from the name and Serik himself, she has nothing. Agree, such a loud sign – "Foreign Bureau" – obliges, and one could assume that this is the center around which all the so-called Kazakhstani opposition abroad is grouped.

However, there is nothing in her luggage except, I repeat, statements. Moreover, when many years ago I invited Mr. Medetbekov to meet, he replied that several hundred kilometers is a huge distance, and he would not be able to come. It was in Germany. From this I can conclude that, firstly, the "organization" is tight with money, and, secondly, Medetbekov is actually of little interest to the Motherland and is needed only as a bogey in negotiations with foreigners. I don't pretend to be the ultimate truth (perhaps there really were some circumstances that prevented him from coming to the meeting, which we previously agreed on), but what happened, happened."
“
"What kind of foreign bureau are we talking about? Yes, there is an organization by that name. It is headed by Serik Medetbekov, the former founder and owner of Radio RIK. But, excuse me, apart from the name and Serik himself, she has nothing. Agree, such a loud sign – "Foreign Bureau" – obliges, and one could assume that this is the center around which all the so-called Kazakhstani opposition abroad is grouped.

However, there is nothing in her luggage except, I repeat, statements. Moreover, when many years ago I invited Mr. Medetbekov to meet, he replied that several hundred kilometers is a huge distance, and he would not be able to come. It was in Germany. From this I can conclude that, firstly, the "organization" is tight with money, and, secondly, Medetbekov is actually of little interest to the Motherland and is needed only as a bogey in negotiations with foreigners. I don't pretend to be the ultimate truth (perhaps there really were some circumstances that prevented him from coming to the meeting, which we previously agreed on), but what happened, happened."
There was a period when the foreign bureau was headed by Lira Baiseitova, who voluntarily left Kazakhstan in 2002 (after the death of her daughter Leila) and settled in Geneva. The person is a chaotic one, who made a lot of noise in the ranks of the foreign bureau.
"The bad thing is that the most "weighty" foreign "sitters" – Kazhegeldin and Ablyazov – surround themselves, to put it mildly, with outcasts (although another word comes to mind) and declare them oppositionists. If for Ablyazov it is Narymbaev and Zhanna Bota (according to some, she is involved in Narymbaev's scams with equity holders), then for Kazhegeldin it is, for example, Lira Baiseitova, who for some reason calls herself a journalist, not being her either by education or by vocation. Yes, at one time she bought a newspaper, became its editor-in-chief, and after that, apparently, she decided that she could consider herself a journalist. No one forced Baiseitova to go abroad, no one persecuted her, although there was some pressure on her," Aigul Omarova said about her.
“
"The bad thing is that the most "weighty" foreign "sitters" – Kazhegeldin and Ablyazov – surround themselves, to put it mildly, with outcasts (although another word comes to mind) and declare them oppositionists. If for Ablyazov it is Narymbaev and Zhanna Bota (according to some, she is involved in Narymbaev's scams with equity holders), then for Kazhegeldin it is, for example, Lira Baiseitova, who for some reason calls herself a journalist, not being her either by education or by vocation. Yes, at one time she bought a newspaper, became its editor-in-chief, and after that, apparently, she decided that she could consider herself a journalist. No one forced Baiseitova to go abroad, no one persecuted her, although there was some pressure on her," Aigul Omarova said about her.
In 2005, there was a story that finally compromised Lira Baiseitova. That year, early presidential elections were held in Kazakhstan.

The candidates for the presidency of Kazakhstan were: the current president of the country Nursultan Nazarbayev, the leader of the movement "For a Just Kazakhstan" Zharmakhan Tuyakbay, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Kazakhstan "Ak Zhol" Alikhan Baimenov, the deputy of the Mazhilis Erasyl Abylkasymov and the leader of the environmental organization "Tabigat" Mels Eleusizov. Tuyakbai then won 6.61% of the vote.

After the election results were announced, the opposition's foreign bureau issued a press release signed by Lira Baiseitova.
"We can confidently say that in the history of Kazakhstan, for the first time in the history of Kazakhstan, the presidential elections were held on an alternative basis and were legitimate, since an opposition candidate took part in them," the release said.
“
"We can confidently say that in the history of Kazakhstan, for the first time in the history of Kazakhstan, the presidential elections were held on an alternative basis and were legitimate, since an opposition candidate took part in them," the release said.
Moreover, the head of the opposition foreign bureau admitted that the incumbent president won the election. "I have to admit that Nazarbayev won," she said. According to Baiseitova, the vast majority of Kazakhs voted for Nazarbayev because "the people trust him, not the opposition candidate." "The opposition not only lost these elections, it blew them. With a whistle," she said.
"From the very beginning, from the day the election date was announced, it was clear that none of the contenders for the country's top seat, including Nazarbayev's main competitor, could be a real alternative to him," Baiseitova said.
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"From the very beginning, from the day the election date was announced, it was clear that none of the contenders for the country's top seat, including Nazarbayev's main competitor, could be a real alternative to him," Baiseitova said.
Baiseitova blamed the opposition itself for the defeat of the opposition in the elections. She cited examples when publications describing Tuyakbai's meetings with voters stated that "even before the meeting, the hall was full of state employees and provocateurs who asked and prepared certain questions."
"And when some representatives of the opposition go down to shutting down others, turning off microphones, obscene language, and even brawls, demonstrating complete disrespect for people, they don't get supporters by such methods," the release said.
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"And when some representatives of the opposition go down to shutting down others, turning off microphones, obscene language, and even brawls, demonstrating complete disrespect for people, they don't get supporters by such methods," the release said.
Baiseitova concluded that "the majority of Kazakhstanis have made their choice, Nazarbayev has become president for another 7 years."

The release caused an unprecedented sensation. Baiseitova had to explain herself.
"After the statement made by me as the head of the Foreign Bureau of the opposition of Kazakhstan, my phone is bursting with calls, and e-mail boxes, of which I have several, are overflowing with letters from various media and journalists. Since I am physically unable to answer all the letters that continue to come in, and besides, many people ask almost the same questions, I decided to state the answers to them and send them to the site mizinov.net, with the editor-in-chief of which, Yuri Mizinov, there is an agreement about publication.

Before answering questions, I have to declare that I was blocked from accessing the general mailbox of the Foreign Bureau at the address: zagranburo@gmail.com, apparently by changing the password. Several people have access to my mailbox at: baiseitova@gmail.com, who are members of the Foreign Bureau. Since December 2, I have not sent any statements from these addresses either on my own behalf or on behalf of the Foreign Bureau. I would not like to express distrust or suspicion towards my colleagues in the Foreign Bureau, but, in order to avoid provocations, I inform you that I am not related to any messages and mailings on my behalf from the above addresses, as well as to statements signed by the "Foreign Bureau of the United Opposition of Kazakhstan". It is likely that letters with questions to me are received on the general mailbox of the Foreign Bureau, but without access to it, I cannot answer them," said Lira Baiseitova.
“
"After the statement made by me as the head of the Foreign Bureau of the opposition of Kazakhstan, my phone is bursting with calls, and e-mail boxes, of which I have several, are overflowing with letters from various media and journalists. Since I am physically unable to answer all the letters that continue to come in, and besides, many people ask almost the same questions, I decided to state the answers to them and send them to the site mizinov.net, with the editor-in-chief of which, Yuri Mizinov, there is an agreement about publication.

Before answering questions, I have to declare that I was blocked from accessing the general mailbox of the Foreign Bureau at the address: zagranburo@gmail.com, apparently by changing the password. Several people have access to my mailbox at: baiseitova@gmail.com, who are members of the Foreign Bureau. Since December 2, I have not sent any statements from these addresses either on my own behalf or on behalf of the Foreign Bureau. I would not like to express distrust or suspicion towards my colleagues in the Foreign Bureau, but, in order to avoid provocations, I inform you that I am not related to any messages and mailings on my behalf from the above addresses, as well as to statements signed by the "Foreign Bureau of the United Opposition of Kazakhstan". It is likely that letters with questions to me are received on the general mailbox of the Foreign Bureau, but without access to it, I cannot answer them," said Lira Baiseitova.
She told Mizinov that at the very beginning of the election campaign she had prepared the text of an appeal from the Foreign Bureau to the citizens of Kazakhstan living abroad, which outlined the reasons for which it was proposed to vote for Zharmakhan Tuyakbai. The text was sent to the members of the Foreign Bureau with a request to make corrections, additions and put their signatures under it.
"I suggested that the members of the Foreign Bureau conduct an agitation campaign for Tuyakbai among our compatriots, including employees of the Kazakh embassies in the West, but none of the members of the Foreign Bureau signed this appeal and therefore it was not published. By the way, some of them generally expressed the opinion that Tuyakbai did not work so much to win the elections as he fought against Kazhegeldin.

It seems to everyone that it is clear that the team of Zharmakhan Tuyakbay could not build relationships with those who were ready to work absolutely unselfishly for his victory. Moreover, some of the politicians abroad could not resist the temptation to denigrate their comrades-in-arms in the opposition, including members of the Foreign Bureau. It is clear that such undercover acts did not bring any benefit to the opposition movement of Kazakhstan, but caused significant harm," Baiseitova said.
“
"I suggested that the members of the Foreign Bureau conduct an agitation campaign for Tuyakbai among our compatriots, including employees of the Kazakh embassies in the West, but none of the members of the Foreign Bureau signed this appeal and therefore it was not published. By the way, some of them generally expressed the opinion that Tuyakbai did not work so much to win the elections as he fought against Kazhegeldin.

It seems to everyone that it is clear that the team of Zharmakhan Tuyakbay could not build relationships with those who were ready to work absolutely unselfishly for his victory. Moreover, some of the politicians abroad could not resist the temptation to denigrate their comrades-in-arms in the opposition, including members of the Foreign Bureau. It is clear that such undercover acts did not bring any benefit to the opposition movement of Kazakhstan, but caused significant harm," Baiseitova said.

Severe opposition

Severe opposition

In 2012, the foreign bureau of the Kazakh opposition opposed the granting of political asylum in Switzerland to Leyla and Viktor Khrapunov. The statement on this occasion bore the harsh title – "Enemies of democracy and corrupt officials have no refuge in Europe!"
"The foreign bureau of the Kazakh opposition is protesting against granting political asylum in Switzerland to the former mayor of Almaty, Viktor Khrapunov, and his family.

As it became known from journalistic circles, the former mayor of Almaty, the akim of the East Kazakhstan region and the Minister of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, Viktor Khrapunov, and members of his family appealed to the authorities of the Swiss Confederation with a request to grant them political asylum as oppositionists and fighters for human rights.

It is hard to imagine greater cynicism and hypocrisy! The tormentor of the democratic opposition declares himself a martyr of the regime he has faithfully served for many years. A corrupt official who has amassed great wealth through years of modestly paid public service presents himself as a victim of the fight against corruption. The head of the family, all members of which have turned into multimillionaires, acts as a debunker of the ruling Nazarbayev family…", the statement said.
“
"The foreign bureau of the Kazakh opposition is protesting against granting political asylum in Switzerland to the former mayor of Almaty, Viktor Khrapunov, and his family.

As it became known from journalistic circles, the former mayor of Almaty, the akim of the East Kazakhstan region and the Minister of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, Viktor Khrapunov, and members of his family appealed to the authorities of the Swiss Confederation with a request to grant them political asylum as oppositionists and fighters for human rights.

It is hard to imagine greater cynicism and hypocrisy! The tormentor of the democratic opposition declares himself a martyr of the regime he has faithfully served for many years. A corrupt official who has amassed great wealth through years of modestly paid public service presents himself as a victim of the fight against corruption. The head of the family, all members of which have turned into multimillionaires, acts as a debunker of the ruling Nazarbayev family…", the statement said.
Foreign oppositionists recalled "how it was during the years of Mayor Khrapunov's "rule" that a total purge of the democratic movement in Almaty was carried out – public associations were dispersed, provocations were organized against prominent politicians and human rights activists, and politically motivated trials were held."
"The crackdown on the opposition and human rights activists in Almaty was led by Rakhat Aliyev, head of the city department of the KNB. He relied on the full support and cooperation of the city administration headed by V. Khrapunov.

The family of Mayor Khrapunov during the years of his reign was an example of how the nouveau riche behave – unexpectedly and undeservedly rich grandees. "From rags to riches" – that's what the townspeople came to mind when they saw the madness of Viktor Khrapunov and Leyla Beketova's family celebrations, their demonstrative extravagance and vulgarity.

It can be confidently said that the huge wealth of the Khrapunov family, exported abroad, is of criminal origin. The Khrapunov-Beketov fortune does not become honestly acquired just because they denounce President Nazarbayev from abroad. All the villas, boutiques and hotels that are being built by Ilyas, the son of the Khrapunovs, in Switzerland are paid for by the labor of Almaty residents, Ust-Kamenogorsk residents and residents of all Kazakhstan," the oppositionists from the bureau said.
“
"The crackdown on the opposition and human rights activists in Almaty was led by Rakhat Aliyev, head of the city department of the KNB. He relied on the full support and cooperation of the city administration headed by V. Khrapunov.

The family of Mayor Khrapunov during the years of his reign was an example of how the nouveau riche behave – unexpectedly and undeservedly rich grandees. "From rags to riches" – that's what the townspeople came to mind when they saw the madness of Viktor Khrapunov and Leyla Beketova's family celebrations, their demonstrative extravagance and vulgarity.

It can be confidently said that the huge wealth of the Khrapunov family, exported abroad, is of criminal origin. The Khrapunov-Beketov fortune does not become honestly acquired just because they denounce President Nazarbayev from abroad. All the villas, boutiques and hotels that are being built by Ilyas, the son of the Khrapunovs, in Switzerland are paid for by the labor of Almaty residents, Ust-Kamenogorsk residents and residents of all Kazakhstan," the oppositionists from the bureau said.
The Bureau of Foreign Affairs announced that it was ready to provide the Swiss authorities with a list of witnesses who could testify about Viktor Khrapunov's activities in persecuting democratic and human rights movements both as mayor of Almaty and as governor of the East Kazakhstan region.

In March 2021, it became known that Alexander Bekles, the former legislative director of the Edolphus Towns (DN.Y.) party, would be lobbying for sanctions against corrupt Kazakhs in the new American administration of Joe Biden. Its tasks were to include lobbying for "democracy, stability and prosperity of Kazakhstan in the region, as well as financial issues, including regulations and government programs related to combating money laundering, international sanctions and the fight against corruption.

It was reported that for this he specifically registered his firm Alexander Beckles LLC under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). And his salary under the contract will be $40,000 per month for an indefinite period.

Bekles declined to say who hired him or how he came to work with Kazakhstani activists, given that his previous lobbying career focused mainly on drug production issues. But Serik Medetbekov, head of the Foreign Bureau living in Germany, said that the lobbyist works for his other organization, the Dongelek Ustel Civil Society Coalition, which was formed about 18 months ago and is an association of groups and individuals.

Medetbekov said that the money stolen from Kazakhstan has a corrupting effect on institutions in the West, and that the US and allied governments should do everything to pursue the illegal income of Kazakhstanis in their countries.
"We are against people… who worked for this regime, stole money, fled to the West and now pretend to be in opposition to the regime. It's impossible for us – if someone steals money on the street in New York, the police will be there in a few minutes. But other people are breaking American law, and no one thinks about it," he said.
“
"We are against people… who worked for this regime, stole money, fled to the West and now pretend to be in opposition to the regime. It's impossible for us – if someone steals money on the street in New York, the police will be there in a few minutes. But other people are breaking American law, and no one thinks about it," he said.
Literally a few months later, a DAT journalist asked Medetbekov a question: "In early spring, there was information that the Civil Society Coalition of Kazakhstan hired an American lobbying office to push a law like the Magnitsky Act in the US Congress regarding kleptocracy in Kazakhstan. In this regard, what parallels can be drawn between the work of the CSC and the anti-corruption law?".

Medetbekov's answer was not quite the same as in March:
"The Dongelek Ustel civil society coalition is not pushing through anything, especially in Congress! It has been actively working in the United States for more than a month, one of the coordinators of this work is Botagoz Isayeva. The process of passing sanctions against Kazakh corrupt officials and officials' crimes against human rights is a joint work with American non-governmental organizations.

Congressman Benny Thompson spoke to the US Congress about Timur Kulibayev's covert scheme to siphon millions of dollars out of a mega gas pipeline project in Central Asia. This triggered investigations...

In addition to the new sanctions list, there is also the Zhanaozen list and the Agadil list. They are also actively promoted by the Dongelek Ustel Civil Society Coalition."
“
"The Dongelek Ustel civil society coalition is not pushing through anything, especially in Congress! It has been actively working in the United States for more than a month, one of the coordinators of this work is Botagoz Isayeva. The process of passing sanctions against Kazakh corrupt officials and officials' crimes against human rights is a joint work with American non-governmental organizations.

Congressman Benny Thompson spoke to the US Congress about Timur Kulibayev's covert scheme to siphon millions of dollars out of a mega gas pipeline project in Central Asia. This triggered investigations...

In addition to the new sanctions list, there is also the Zhanaozen list and the Agadil list. They are also actively promoted by the Dongelek Ustel Civil Society Coalition."