The official investigation says that Nurkadilov first shot himself twice in the chest before putting the gun to his head and firing a bullet into his brain.
Serikkali Musin, a lawyer for Nurkadilov's wife, says he does not believe that Nurkadilov killed himself. He says findings of the probe -- for example, that a pillow was used to muffle the gunshots -- indicate foul play.
Nukadilov's wife, Makpal Zhunusova, also disagrees with the official cause of death.
Nurkadilov was a former mayor of Almaty and government minister. He later joined the opposition and accused the government of corruption.
(Interfax/ferghana.ru)
Kazakhstan's Presidential Election
Kazakhstan's Presidential Election
RFE/RL's complete coverage and background of Kazakhstan's presidential election on December 4, 2005.
