Austria
Turning point in Aliyev case?
23.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
The Kazakh Government gave the Austrian authorites guarantees, that the former son-in-law of the Kazakh President Nazarbayev, Dr. Rakhad Aliyev will be treated under European Human Rights standards, if the Austrian court will detain him back to Kazakhstan. This was confirmed by the Kazakh Ambassador in Austria, Kasychanov.
He pointed out that Dr. Aliyev might also have retrial proceedings, which would be conductes under the UN Human Rights Convention. In addition, the Office of the General Prosecutor in Kazakhstan sent an official letter to its colleagues in Vienna, saying that an international observation of Dr. Aliyev’s possible future imprisonment would be welcomed by Kazakh authorities.
According to Austrian officials, this reaction by the Kazakh officials could be a „turning point in the case“, because until now, Dr. Aliyev was fighting against a possible extradition with the argument, he would be tortured in his home country. Manfred Nowak, UN Rapporteur against torture, underlined recently that systematic torture would no longer be used in Kazakhstan.
In addition, Austrian officials, who want to stay confidential, confirmed additional investigations against Dr. Aliyev regarding abduction and torture in connection with the death of Ms. Novikova.
He pointed out that Dr. Aliyev might also have retrial proceedings, which would be conductes under the UN Human Rights Convention. In addition, the Office of the General Prosecutor in Kazakhstan sent an official letter to its colleagues in Vienna, saying that an international observation of Dr. Aliyev’s possible future imprisonment would be welcomed by Kazakh authorities.
According to Austrian officials, this reaction by the Kazakh officials could be a „turning point in the case“, because until now, Dr. Aliyev was fighting against a possible extradition with the argument, he would be tortured in his home country. Manfred Nowak, UN Rapporteur against torture, underlined recently that systematic torture would no longer be used in Kazakhstan.
In addition, Austrian officials, who want to stay confidential, confirmed additional investigations against Dr. Aliyev regarding abduction and torture in connection with the death of Ms. Novikova.
Austrian TV: Interview with Rakhad Aliyev
09.09.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
Vienna-Kazakh "Strudel" (in Russian)
04.09.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
Венско-казахстанский слоеный пирог
Дело Алиева становится внутренней проблемой Австрии
Как известно, австрийские власти не выдали Алиева Казахстану и приостановили уголовное дело в его отношении. А те политики, которые проявили повышенный интерес к вопросу правомочности пребывания Алиева в Австрии, вынуждены отмываться от обвинений в пособничестве казахстанскому КНБ. Казалось бы, это должно было отбить охоту дальше углубляться в проблему «Астана v/s Алиев» для австрийского истеблишмента. Более того, такое впечатление укрепилось после создания в июле при австрийском парламенте временной комиссии по изучению, в числе прочих проблем, связей ряда политиков оппозиционных партий с КНБ Казахстана. Однако произошло неожиданное. Благодаря австрийской прессе в деле Алиева в последние дни оказались «замараны» практически все значимые политические партии Австрии, включая правящую Народную партию. В частности, речь идет о том, что ее политики (а именно эта партия несколько десятков лет держит в своих руках руководство МВД Австрии) обеспечили Алиеву вид на жительство в земле Нижняя Австрия, причем небезвозмездно. Называется имя бывшего министра внутренних дел Эриха Штрассера. Конкретные претензии в коррумпированности Алиевым обнародованы и в отношении видных представителей финансовых кругов Австрии. Приводятся сведения о конкретных схемах, по которым предположительно производилось отмывание денег Алиевым через счета австрийских футбольных клубов, указываются суммы.More ...
Дело Алиева становится внутренней проблемой Австрии
Как известно, австрийские власти не выдали Алиева Казахстану и приостановили уголовное дело в его отношении. А те политики, которые проявили повышенный интерес к вопросу правомочности пребывания Алиева в Австрии, вынуждены отмываться от обвинений в пособничестве казахстанскому КНБ. Казалось бы, это должно было отбить охоту дальше углубляться в проблему «Астана v/s Алиев» для австрийского истеблишмента. Более того, такое впечатление укрепилось после создания в июле при австрийском парламенте временной комиссии по изучению, в числе прочих проблем, связей ряда политиков оппозиционных партий с КНБ Казахстана. Однако произошло неожиданное. Благодаря австрийской прессе в деле Алиева в последние дни оказались «замараны» практически все значимые политические партии Австрии, включая правящую Народную партию. В частности, речь идет о том, что ее политики (а именно эта партия несколько десятков лет держит в своих руках руководство МВД Австрии) обеспечили Алиеву вид на жительство в земле Нижняя Австрия, причем небезвозмездно. Называется имя бывшего министра внутренних дел Эриха Штрассера. Конкретные претензии в коррумпированности Алиевым обнародованы и в отношении видных представителей финансовых кругов Австрии. Приводятся сведения о конкретных схемах, по которым предположительно производилось отмывание денег Алиевым через счета австрийских футбольных клубов, указываются суммы.More ...
Statement ETG on press conference of Aliyev's lawyers in Vienna today (in German)
02.09.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
Erklärung der Eurasian Transition Group:
Der Vorstand der Eurasian Transition Group, e.V. gibt zum Pressegespräch der Kanzlei Brandstetter am 02.09.2009 in Wien folgende Erklärung ab:
Die im Pressebriefing der Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Brandstetter im Namen ihres Mandanten Dr. Rakhad Aliyev präsentierten Dokumente, welche beweisen sollen, dass unsere Organisation Teil des kasachischen Geheimdienstes oder der Regierung sei, sind unbegründet und führen in die Sackgasse.More ...
Der Vorstand der Eurasian Transition Group, e.V. gibt zum Pressegespräch der Kanzlei Brandstetter am 02.09.2009 in Wien folgende Erklärung ab:
Die im Pressebriefing der Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Brandstetter im Namen ihres Mandanten Dr. Rakhad Aliyev präsentierten Dokumente, welche beweisen sollen, dass unsere Organisation Teil des kasachischen Geheimdienstes oder der Regierung sei, sind unbegründet und führen in die Sackgasse.More ...
TV report on Aliyev and the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee in Vienna
27.08.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
Former Kazakh KNB head speaks on Aliev's role In kidnappings
27.08.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
The former chief of Kazakhstan's Committee of National Security (KNB) says the former son-in-law of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev "might" have been involved in the kidnapping of two high-ranking bankers in Kazakhstan.More ...
The Aliyev Empire is striking back
26.08.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
After the second meeting of the Austrian Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry today and a demonstration, organized by relatives of the missing Nur Bank managers, the Aliyev Empire is striking back.
All began with the statement by A. Musayev, the former Chief of the Kazakh KNB and close ally of Dr. Aliyev this weekend, stating that all accusations against the former Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Austria are in fact true and that Aliyev himself gave the order to make an attempt on Musayev’s life.
Later on, a lawyer who represents the families of the Nur Bank managers made a statement, in which he announced legal proceedings against a local Governor in Lower Austriaa and a prosecutor in Vienna, claiming that both officials helped Aliyev to receive the permission to stay in Austria and that the prosecutor backed Aliyev during the judicial investigations. In addition, Austrian politicians said that they received informations about the transfer of bribes by Aliyev to accounts of organizations close to the political and social life in Austria.
All this might also be a part of parliamentary investigations in Austria.
Today, Dr. Aliyev published a statement, in which he accuses ETG and Michael Laubsch of being a paid lobbyist for the Kazakh KNB. He said the following: „ ... It is also a fact that through the German lobbyist Michael Laubsch and ETG (Eurasian Transition Group), which he controls, unbelievable and smeared accusations against the Austrian judicial system we brought up and I can prove, that this Mr. Laubsch, who claims to be independent, is in a close and friendly contact with KNB-agents in Vienna. I already handed over the evidence material to Austrian officials“. (this is an unofficial translation; the original text can be found at the bottom of this article).
ETG and Michael in person underline the fact that there was never a contact with KNB officials regarding the Aliyev case, nor was any other dialogue with Kazakh secret services. In addition to this fact, ETG will consider legal proceedings against Dr. Aliyev, because those accusations only have their grounds in the mind of a person, who lost all his power.
In the past, ETG kept silence concerning several attempts by Aliyev in attacking ETG on a legal and personal basis; it is worth saying that all attempts did not work, nor had a basis. But now we are convinced to make those attacks public, for our own safety and security.
Eurasian Transition Group
Michael Laubsch
The original text, written by Dr. Rakhat Aliyev:
„Faktum ist auch, dass über den deutschen Lobbyisten Laubsch und
die von ihm kontrollierte Organisation "ETG" (Eurasian Transition
Group) unglaubliche und geradezu hetzerische Angriffe gegen die
österreichische Justiz publiziert wurden, und ich kann beweisen, dass
dieser Herr Laubsch, der sich als unabhängig gibt, in engem und
freundschaftlichem Kontakt zu kasachischen KGB-Agenten in der
Botschaft in Wien steht. Dieses Beweismaterial habe ich mittlerweile
den österreichischen Behörden übermittelt.“
All began with the statement by A. Musayev, the former Chief of the Kazakh KNB and close ally of Dr. Aliyev this weekend, stating that all accusations against the former Ambassador of Kazakhstan in Austria are in fact true and that Aliyev himself gave the order to make an attempt on Musayev’s life.
Later on, a lawyer who represents the families of the Nur Bank managers made a statement, in which he announced legal proceedings against a local Governor in Lower Austriaa and a prosecutor in Vienna, claiming that both officials helped Aliyev to receive the permission to stay in Austria and that the prosecutor backed Aliyev during the judicial investigations. In addition, Austrian politicians said that they received informations about the transfer of bribes by Aliyev to accounts of organizations close to the political and social life in Austria.
All this might also be a part of parliamentary investigations in Austria.
Today, Dr. Aliyev published a statement, in which he accuses ETG and Michael Laubsch of being a paid lobbyist for the Kazakh KNB. He said the following: „ ... It is also a fact that through the German lobbyist Michael Laubsch and ETG (Eurasian Transition Group), which he controls, unbelievable and smeared accusations against the Austrian judicial system we brought up and I can prove, that this Mr. Laubsch, who claims to be independent, is in a close and friendly contact with KNB-agents in Vienna. I already handed over the evidence material to Austrian officials“. (this is an unofficial translation; the original text can be found at the bottom of this article).
ETG and Michael in person underline the fact that there was never a contact with KNB officials regarding the Aliyev case, nor was any other dialogue with Kazakh secret services. In addition to this fact, ETG will consider legal proceedings against Dr. Aliyev, because those accusations only have their grounds in the mind of a person, who lost all his power.
In the past, ETG kept silence concerning several attempts by Aliyev in attacking ETG on a legal and personal basis; it is worth saying that all attempts did not work, nor had a basis. But now we are convinced to make those attacks public, for our own safety and security.
Eurasian Transition Group
Michael Laubsch
The original text, written by Dr. Rakhat Aliyev:
„Faktum ist auch, dass über den deutschen Lobbyisten Laubsch und
die von ihm kontrollierte Organisation "ETG" (Eurasian Transition
Group) unglaubliche und geradezu hetzerische Angriffe gegen die
österreichische Justiz publiziert wurden, und ich kann beweisen, dass
dieser Herr Laubsch, der sich als unabhängig gibt, in engem und
freundschaftlichem Kontakt zu kasachischen KGB-Agenten in der
Botschaft in Wien steht. Dieses Beweismaterial habe ich mittlerweile
den österreichischen Behörden übermittelt.“
Wirbel im Fall Rakhat Aliyev
12.05.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
Da liegt er nun im Spitalsbett einer Wiener Spezialklinik: die Augen müde, die Hände zittrig, die Stimme schleppend. „Charascho“, sagt Mukhtar Aliyev ein paarmal matt in das Mobiltelefon, das er an sein Hörgerät hält: „Gut.“
Am anderen Ende der Leitung ist sein Sohn Rakhat Aliyev. Was er sagt, ist nicht zu verstehen, es klingt aber aufgeregt. Der alte Herr verzieht gequält das Gesicht.More ...
Am anderen Ende der Leitung ist sein Sohn Rakhat Aliyev. Was er sagt, ist nicht zu verstehen, es klingt aber aufgeregt. Der alte Herr verzieht gequält das Gesicht.More ...
Spiegel: Der lange Arm des Präsidenten
11.05.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
Seit zwei Jahren wird der Ex-Schwiegersohn des Herrschers Nursultan Nasarbajew in Wien von kasachischen Agenten gejagt. Jetzt belastet er den Staatschef schwer. Hinter der Familienfehde steckt ein internationaler Kampf um die Reichtümer am Kaspischen Meer.
Erst als das Schnitzel gegessen und das Tafelsilber abgeräumt ist, packt Rachat Alijew aus. Kasachstans selbsternannter "Staatsfeind Nummer eins" fischt aus prallgefüllten Reisetaschen Akten, die er als ins Wiener Exil gerettete Dokumente ausgibt. Vor der Eingangstür zum Maria-Theresia-Salon des Fünf-Sterne-Hotels Sacher, wo Alijew sich verschanzt hat, halten Leibwächter die Stellung.More ...
Erst als das Schnitzel gegessen und das Tafelsilber abgeräumt ist, packt Rachat Alijew aus. Kasachstans selbsternannter "Staatsfeind Nummer eins" fischt aus prallgefüllten Reisetaschen Akten, die er als ins Wiener Exil gerettete Dokumente ausgibt. Vor der Eingangstür zum Maria-Theresia-Salon des Fünf-Sterne-Hotels Sacher, wo Alijew sich verschanzt hat, halten Leibwächter die Stellung.More ...
Is Aliyev looking for a new home?
16.03.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
He is a condemned man in his native country, and is increasingly unwelcome in his adoptive home. And now Rakhat Aliyev, the disgraced former son-in-law of Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev, is looking for a new country where he can gain asylum, allege two relatives of a missing former bank executive.
Aliyev has been living in exile in Vienna, Austria, since Nazarbayev ousted him in 2007 as Kazakhstan’s ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. That move came amid a burgeoning scandal, in which Aliyev was implicated in the disappearances of two executives at Nurbank - Zholdas Timraliyev and Aybar Khasenov. Aliyev possessed a large stake in Nurbank at the time.
According to Timraliyev’s wife, Armangul Kapasheva, Austrian authorities are growing uncomfortable with Aliyev’s asylum status. Austrian authorities remain reluctant to send Aliyev back to Kazakhstan, where in January of 2008 he was convicted in absentia to a 20-year prison term on kidnapping racketeering and other financial crimes. [For background see the Eurasia Insight]. But there is the possibility that Aliyev could face a trial in Austria. "The ground is shifting for Aliyev in Vienna," Kapasheva said in an interview with EurasiaNet.
Kapasheva added that she has been passed information that Aliyev, sensing danger in Austria, has put out feelers to other states to accept him as an asylum seeker. Two countries that Kapasheva named were Great Britain and the United States. Upon hearing the rumors, she said she contacted US diplomats, who flatly denied receiving any such request from Aliyev.
To make sure, Kapasheva and her sister-in-law, Gulnara Timralieva, traveled to the United States recently to meet with officials in New York and Washington to raise awareness about Aliyev’s alleged involvement in the Nurbank executives’ disappearance.
Kapasheva retains the belief that her husband is still alive and expressed frustration that Aliyev refuses to meet with relatives of the missing men. "We’re not bloodthirsty," she said. "We just want to know what happened."
Source: Eurasianet
Aliyev has been living in exile in Vienna, Austria, since Nazarbayev ousted him in 2007 as Kazakhstan’s ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. That move came amid a burgeoning scandal, in which Aliyev was implicated in the disappearances of two executives at Nurbank - Zholdas Timraliyev and Aybar Khasenov. Aliyev possessed a large stake in Nurbank at the time.
According to Timraliyev’s wife, Armangul Kapasheva, Austrian authorities are growing uncomfortable with Aliyev’s asylum status. Austrian authorities remain reluctant to send Aliyev back to Kazakhstan, where in January of 2008 he was convicted in absentia to a 20-year prison term on kidnapping racketeering and other financial crimes. [For background see the Eurasia Insight]. But there is the possibility that Aliyev could face a trial in Austria. "The ground is shifting for Aliyev in Vienna," Kapasheva said in an interview with EurasiaNet.
Kapasheva added that she has been passed information that Aliyev, sensing danger in Austria, has put out feelers to other states to accept him as an asylum seeker. Two countries that Kapasheva named were Great Britain and the United States. Upon hearing the rumors, she said she contacted US diplomats, who flatly denied receiving any such request from Aliyev.
To make sure, Kapasheva and her sister-in-law, Gulnara Timralieva, traveled to the United States recently to meet with officials in New York and Washington to raise awareness about Aliyev’s alleged involvement in the Nurbank executives’ disappearance.
Kapasheva retains the belief that her husband is still alive and expressed frustration that Aliyev refuses to meet with relatives of the missing men. "We’re not bloodthirsty," she said. "We just want to know what happened."
Source: Eurasianet
Kazakh officials deny involvement in Austrian spy scandal
19.02.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
Kazakh officials have denied any involvement in an espionage scandal in which two Austrian policemen were arrested for spying for Kazakhstan. More ...
Two Austrian policemen detained for spying for Kazakhstan
18.02.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
The prosecutor's office in Vienna has confirmed that two Austrian policemen have been arrested for allegedly spying for Kazakhstan, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.More ...
Rakhat Aliyev: Racketeer or Reformer?
17.02.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
The controversy surrounding Rakhat Aliyev, the former son-in-law of President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan, who has been found guilty in absentia of kidnap and racketeering, has recently spilled into the columns of US and European newspapers. More ...
Austria hears witnesses in Kazakh kidnapping case
29.01.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
An Austrian court began hearing witnesses Tuesday in a kidnapping case involving Rakhat Aliyev, the former son-in-law of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, a group representing the victims said.More ...
Austrian justice investigates accusations against Aliyev again (in Russian)
29.01.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
В Австрии органы юстиции и СМИ снова обнаружили интерес к так называемому делу Р. Алиева
По прошествии полутора лет после того, как венский суд принял решение не экстрадировать в Казахстан бывшего посла республики в Вене, бывшего заместителя председателя КНБ и, что немаловажно, бывшего зятя президента Н. Назарбаева, прокурор земельного суда Вены во вторник заслушал свидетельницу из Казахстана А. Капашеву.More ...
По прошествии полутора лет после того, как венский суд принял решение не экстрадировать в Казахстан бывшего посла республики в Вене, бывшего заместителя председателя КНБ и, что немаловажно, бывшего зятя президента Н. Назарбаева, прокурор земельного суда Вены во вторник заслушал свидетельницу из Казахстана А. Капашеву.More ...
Justice Department in Austria: Aliyev case on the run again
24.01.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
After ETG’s press release in December 2008, the Austrian officials now got the order from the Government to the case against R. Aliyev, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Ambassador and, last but not least, son-in-law of the Kazakh President. Follow-up the article by „Der Standard“ here, ETG will publish an unofficial translation later.
More ...Nabucco Pipeline's competitors (in German)
09.01.2009. Category:Central Asia
Der russisch-ukrainische Gasstreit hat die Diskussion über Alternativen für Europas Gasversorgung neu in Gang gebracht. Nicht nur die europäischen Abnehmerländer stehen vor der Frage, wie sie eine Diversifizierung ihrer Versorgung erreichen können. Auch Russland sucht neue Exportrouten, um von Transitländern wie der Ukraine unabhängiger zu werden. Die Strategen des Staatsmonopolisten Gazprom versuchen das auf zwei Wegen: Nord Stream, die geplante Ostsee-Pipeline, soll Erdgas vom russischen Wyborg durch die Ostsee direkt ins deutsche Lubmin bei Greifswald führen. Das Projekt, an dem auch die deutschen Unternehmen BASF/Wintershall und Eon sowie die niederländische Gasunie beteiligt sind, stößt jedoch auf Widerstände bei den baltischen und skandinavischen Anrainern, die mit den Genehmigungen zögern.More ...
German and Austrian "Realpolitik" concerning Turkmenistan
10.12.2008. Category:Turkmenistan
The global economic slowdown appears to be giving Turkmenistan’s leader, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, a boost.
Turkmenistan’s own relative isolation has proven a benefit during these tough economic times, shielding Ashgabat from some of the worst effects of the worldwide credit crunch. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. At the same time, the crisis has infused European governments, especially Germany, with a sense of urgency to conclude new deals that help embattled exporters. The fact that Berdymukhamedov’s administration seems to be one of the few governments in the world today with money to spend is prompting European states to de-emphasize Ashgabat’s troubled record on civil society development.More ...
Turkmenistan’s own relative isolation has proven a benefit during these tough economic times, shielding Ashgabat from some of the worst effects of the worldwide credit crunch. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. At the same time, the crisis has infused European governments, especially Germany, with a sense of urgency to conclude new deals that help embattled exporters. The fact that Berdymukhamedov’s administration seems to be one of the few governments in the world today with money to spend is prompting European states to de-emphasize Ashgabat’s troubled record on civil society development.More ...
New Government in Austria uncomfortable with Aliyev
27.12.2008. Category:Kazakhstan
After the collapse of the Austrian Government under Chancellor Gusenbauer and the early elections with a new government the new political leadership at the Danube would like to reassess the case of R. Aliyev, who was convicted in absentia in 2007 for a long-term sentence by a Kazakh Court of a variety of charges, including kidnapping and foundation of a criminal organization. Although Kazakh authorities asked for the extradition of the former Kazakh Ambassador in Austria in 2007, a Vienna court turned down Astana's extradition request for Aliyev, saying he could not expect a fair Kazakh trial. Meanwhile, authorities in Vienna were still discussing the possibility of bringing action against the former son-in-law of the Kazakh President under Austrian law.
More ...