Pre-trial investigation began on beating Zhanbolat Mamay in the detention center

On February 23 Zhanbolat  Mamay’s lawyer Zhanar Balgabaeva told at the press conference that pre-trial investigation began on beating Zhanbolat Mamay in the detention center.

 " Zhanbolat was transferred to the cell #150, where 4 persons are detained. However, we are still not sure whether he is in safety there. Until we are sure he is safe, we shall monitor the situation daily. Turksib district police department started pre-trial investigation on beating Zhanbolat Mamay in the detention center "- Zh.Balgabaeva said.

However, she emphasized that Zh.Mamay is under psychological pressure.

"When Zhanbolat was in cell #197 he was under physical pressure all the time. After this  fact was disclosed to public, beating stopped, but Mamay experiencing constant 2-hour talks with cellmates. Those cellmates try make him change his testimony and warn that he would not be able to survive in the detention center", - the lawyer added.

According Zh.Balgabaeva relevant complaints to law enforcement and regulatory authorities were filed immediately after receipt of Zh.Mamay’s  claim on beating and threats.

Searches in the editorial office of newspaper “Tribuna. Sayasi Kalam” and in the house of its editor-in-chief Zhanbolat Mamay were conducted on February 10, 2017. Later the same day Zhanbolat Mamay was detained by officers of National Anti-Corruption Bureau within the scope of investigation of the case over embezzlement of “BTA” bank funds by Mukhtar Ablyazov.

On February 11, 2017 Medeu District Court of Almaty sanctioned arrest of the editor-in-chief of  “Tribuna” newspaper Zhanbolat Mamay for two months within the frameworks of investigation of the criminal case on embezzlement “BTA Bank” funds by Mukhtar Ablyazov.

Before his arrest  Zhanbolat Mamay made a public statement:

“I, Zhanbolat Mamay, I do not plead myself guilty to charges brought against me. I have never carried out any business or financial activity. I consider this criminal proceeding to be politically motivated pressure brought upon my journalistic activity and attempt to close newspaper “Tribuna”.

On February 20 the Almaty City Court heard the appeal on Medeu district court’s order of detention for  the editor in chief of the newspaper "Tribune. Sayasi kalam "Zhanbolat Mamay. According to Mamay’s lawyer Zhanar Balgabayeva, the court rejected to release Mamay on bail saying that this measure is not applicable to the charges such as filed against him. Thus the City Court upheld the decision of the first-instance court.

On 21 February the editor in chief of the newspaper "Tribuna. Sayasi kalam" Zhanbolat Mamay informed from the pretrial detention center №18 that he was  beaten and got, extorted money and has serious reasons to be under apprehension of his life.