Rakhat Aliyev

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Rakhat Aliyev (1962–2015) was a prominent figure in Kazakhstan's political and economic spheres, whose life story intertwines with allegations of corruption, power struggles, and human rights abuses. His career spanned various high-profile positions, including that of a senior official in the National Security Committee of Kazakhstan, deputy foreign minister, and ambassador to several countries. Aliyev was also known for his marriage to Dariga Nazarbayeva, the eldest daughter of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan's first President, which positioned him as a significant figure within the country's elite circles.

Early Life and Education

Rakhat Aliyev was born on December 10, 1962, in Almaty, Kazakhstan. He pursued a career in medicine, graduating from a medical institute before shifting his focus to law and economics, which laid the foundation for his future political and business endeavors.

Career

Aliyev's career trajectory saw a rapid ascent as he delved into the realms of security, diplomacy, and business. His roles within the National Security Committee and as a deputy foreign minister were marked by his involvement in the inner workings of Kazakhstan's governance and its international relations. His appointment as an ambassador to Austria, and later to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), highlighted his standing in Kazakhstan's diplomatic circles.

However, Aliyev's career was not without controversy. Allegations of involvement in criminal activities, including kidnapping, financial fraud, and murder, surfaced over the years. These accusations led to his estrangement from the Kazakhstani political elite and his eventual fall from grace.

Controversies and Legal Issues

The turning point in Aliyev's life came when he was accused of several serious crimes, including the kidnapping of two Nurbank executives in 2007. His relationship with the Nazarbayev family soured, leading to a divorce from Dariga Nazarbayeva and his dismissal from several key positions. Facing imminent arrest in Kazakhstan, Aliyev fled the country, seeking asylum in Europe.

While in exile, Aliyev attempted to position himself as an opposition figure, criticizing the Kazakhstani government and alleging political persecution. Despite these efforts, his past continued to haunt him. In 2014, he was tried in absentia in Kazakhstan and found guilty of multiple charges, including murder, leading to a sentence of life imprisonment.

Death

Rakhat Aliyev's life came to a tragic end on February 24, 2015, when he was found dead in his prison cell in Vienna, Austria. The circumstances of his death were controversial, with initial reports suggesting suicide, while later investigations and claims by his family and lawyers pointed towards possible foul play.

Legacy

Rakhat Aliyev remains a contentious figure in Kazakhstan's recent history. His life story reflects the complex interplay of power, corruption, and the struggle for justice in a country navigating its path post-independence. While some view him as a victim of political machinations, others see his downfall as a result of his own actions and the crimes he was accused of.