The Konayev City Court in southeast Kazakhstan denied the appeal for early release by Muratkhan Tokmadif, who is serving a 10.5-year prison sentence for the murder of Yerzhan Tatishev, the former Chairman and CEO of Bank Turan Alem (BTA) on September 12. Tokmadi has only served six years of his sentence, prompting protests and calls for justice from Tatishev’s family and supporters.
"In previous court meeting the murderer claimed not being able to see his family, but what about my family? I will never see my father again. This is a continuous torture, having lost my father and enduring the trauma. The murderer has never shown any remorse for his crime and has manipulated justice for years. I deny the request for early release on parole," the victim's son said.
Muratkhan Tokmadif, who is currently serving his sentence for the murder of Yerzhan Tatishev, has submitted several appeals for early release. He explained the difficulties he faced during his incarceration.
“For five years, I was not allowed to correspond or see any relatives. It was only after the arrests related to the January 2022 events in Kazakhstan that I received positive factors and encouragement. I have not been convicted of an especially grave crime. I urge the court to consider my situation in light of other high-profile cases and the fact that I have served more than two-thirds of my sentence.” He concluded, “I have been in limbo since early August and request that you support my petition for early release.”
Tokmadi's early release was speculated for August 10, but the court delayed its decision after vocal opposition. Those demanding full justice include Tatishev’s family, former colleagues, and former FBI Director Louis J. Freeh, who has been investigating the case. They argue that Tokmadi's potential release is premature and ignores the severity of his crime.
The court stated that the convicted individual does not meet the necessary criteria for early release. Consequently, the appeal is denied, and the court hearing is now officially closed.
Murder Case Timeline
Yerzhan Tatishev was killed in 2004 during what was initially reported as an accidental shooting on a hunting trip. Tokmadi claimed the incident was an accident, and he was initially convicted of manslaughter, receiving a short sentence. However, after a 14-year legal battle, Tokmadi was re-convicted in 2018 for the deliberate murder of Tatishev, following new evidence that he had acted under the orders of disgraced businessman Mukhtar Ablyazov.
In a 2017 televised interview, Tokmadi confessed to murdering Tatishev and revealed that he had bribed officials to mask the crime as an accident. Ablyazov, who seized control of BTA Bank after Tatishev's death, is accused of defrauding the bank of over $6bn before fleeing the country. He remains a fugitive facing multiple charges.
Opposition to Early Release
Tatishev’s family and their legal team have highlighted multiple reasons why Tokmadi should not be granted early release. They cite his attempted escape from custody in 2018, his retraction of guilt, and his lack of remorse or efforts to reconcile with Tatishev’s family. Furthermore, they emphasize that Tokmadi was a willing participant in a contract killing, a crime that gravely undermines justice and civil society in Kazakhstan.
Former FBI Director Louis J. Freeh, who has been closely involved in the investigation, strongly opposes Tokmadi's early release.
"Muratkhan Tokmadi is a convicted killer and assassin. On orders of Mukhtar Ablyazov, a convicted fraudster and international fugitive, Tokmadi ambushed and killed a man who had offered him friendship, in order to take over BTA Bank, from which Ablyazov looted $6bn," Freeh said.
He added that releasing Tokmadi early would be "contrary to the moral values of Kazakhstan and contrary to natural justice and the rule of law." Freeh further argued that Tokmadi is not a candidate for rehabilitation, given his lack of remorse, his attempts to escape, and his history of bribery and corruption related to the case.
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