A Kazakh border guard sentenced to life in prison a decade ago for killing 14 fellow border guards and a forest ranger has asked President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev to allow his case to be retried. Vladislav Chelakh's relatives told RFE/RL on December 20 that the presidential office is expected to look into Chelakh’s request next month. In May 2012, Chelakh admitted to killing the 15 people at an outpost near the Kazakh-Chinese frontier. He later recanted, saying his confession was obtained under pressure, and claimed that the post was attacked. To read the original story from RFE/RL's Kazakh Service, click here.
Convicted Murderer In 2012 Slaying Of 14 Kazakh Border Guards, Ranger Asks For Retrial
Former Kazakh border guard Vladislav Chelakh (file photo)