Former security officer Rustam Ibragimov sentenced to death for February murder of opposition leader Sarsenbaev; 9 other defendants given prison sentences of between 6 and 20 years. Sarsenbaev’s family called trial farce, saying real blame lay with national security committee.

Pro-presidential forces consolidated by merger of parties of President Nazarbayev and daughter Darigha Nazarbayeva 4 July. Zharmakhan Tuyakbai, “For a Just Kazakhstan” movement leader, called for formation of new opposition party. President signed new restrictive media bill into law 5 July.

Trial of 10 accused of opposition leader Sarsenbaev’s February murder opened in Taldykorgan 14 June; 2 key defendents, former Senate staff chief Yerzhan Utembayev and former police officer Rustam Ibragimov, denied charges. Parliament approved new media legislation; OSCE said law would severely restrict media and should be withdrawn. Opposition Alga party activists clashed with police outside Justice Ministry 6 June: appealing against ministry’s rejection of party’s registration but Supreme Court upheld decision. Local elections in 10 cities and 49 districts, first such polls, set for October after President Nazabaev decreed one third of local administration heads should be elected.

“For a Just Kazakhstan” opposition alliance activist Zhumabaev sentenced to 5 years prison on charges of causing civil disorder 15 May. Alliance also alleged leader Zhaqiyanov prevented by authorities from travelling to Astana to meet visiting U.S. Vice President Cheney.

Government blocked opposition leaders Galymzhan Zhaqiyanov and Bulat Abilov from travelling to EU to meet officials. Justice ministry rejected appeal by opposition Alga party after its request for registration denied in February. National Security Committee claimed had uncovered religious extremist plot on country’s infrastructure.

Questions continued to be raised over official investigation into February murder of opposition leader Altynbek Sarsenbaev. Jailed opposition leaders Bulat Abilov and Petr Svoikbegan began hunger strike in protest. In positive development, Abilov and Sarsenbaev’s Naghyz Ak Zhol party registered by authorities. President Nazarbaev visited Uzbekistan, expressing support for President Karimov’s suppression of 2005 Andijon uprising.

Opposition  leader  Altynbek  Sarsenbaev assassinated along with driver and bodyguard, sending shock waves through political elite: second suspicious death of senior opposition figure since November. Senate General Secretary Erzhan Utembaev arrested and reportedly admitted ordering killing of Sarsenbaev out of “personal enmity”. 5 members of state security service charged with kidnapping and killing, prompting resignation of agency’s head. Opposition suggested Utembaev being used as scapegoat; called for resignation of Senate Speaker Nurtai Abykaev and questioning of president’s daughter, parliamentarian Dariga Nazarbaeva, and her husband Deputy FM Rakhat Aliyevis. Around 1,000 marched in Almaty in memory of Sarsenbaev. U.S. FBI assisting Kazakh government in investigation after request for assistance.

Prominent dissident Galymzhan Zhakiyanov released from prison 14 January. President Nazarbayev sworn in for new 7-year term.

President Nazarbaev reelected 4 December with 91.5% of vote, but opposition claimed fraud and OSCE observers said vote failed to meet international standards. Supreme Court upheld official refusal to register opposition party Naghyz Ak Zhol. Former leader of opposition Democratic Choice for Kazakhstan party, Ghalymzhan Zhaqiyanov, granted early release from jail. 3 Kazakh opposition activists arrested in Kyrgyzstan; 1 extradited at Kazakhstan’s request.

Former Emergency Situations Minister Zamanbek Nurkadilov found shot dead 12 November: fired 2004 for accusing government of corruption, later joined opposition and was reportedly planning to disclose high-level corruption. Official investigation ruled death suicide. EU urged Kazakhstan to let opposition candidates and media operate freely ahead of 4 December presidential election. Opposition newspaper Juma Times 3 November issue seized. Televised debate between presidential candidates held without participation of president.