Kazakhstan's Amnesty Bill: Who's In, Who's Out?

Kazakhstan Approves Amnesty Bill for Constitutional Anniversary: Bishimbayev's Release Remains Uncertain. Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan – The Majilis, Kazakhstan's lower house of parliament, recently approved an amnesty bill in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the nation's constitution. This bill will impact roughly 15,000 people, comprising 6,000 prisoners and 9,000 probationers. A significant aspect of this decision is the exclusion of individuals convicted of corruption, terrorism, extremism, and torture. This has led to speculation about the fate of prominent figures like former Minister Kuanysh Bishimbayev and ex-head of the National Security Committee, Karim Masimov. "The amnesty does not apply to those convicted of corruption, terrorism, or extremism," stated a parliament official in a recent press briefing. The move is expected to save the state budget up to 5 billion tenge annually. The selective nature of the amnesty has sparked debate and raises questions about the balance between justice and reconciliation in Kazakhstan.