Deputy Akim of Shymkent Shot and Wounded

On the evening of April 21, Ruslan Berdenov, Deputy Akim of Shymkent, was shot and wounded in an apparent assassination attempt near the city hall. The incident occurred under unclear circumstances and has sparked widespread public attention and speculation. Preliminary reports indicate that Berdenov was hit three times by a Saiga-12 shotgun. The suspect, who was detained at the scene, was confronted by Berdenov’s driver, who reportedly accelerated the vehicle to subdue the attacker. “The assailant waited near the Akimat and shot at close range when the official exited the building. The driver intervened by striking the shooter with the car,” journalist Mikhail Kozachkov reported on Telegram. Suspect Identified as State Employee According to the Telegram channel Letters to the President, the suspect has been identified as 30-year-old Zhienbai Yernar Zhienbayuly, a specialist at Turgyn Shymkent LLP, which operates under the Akimat. He is reported to be a subordinate of Berdenov. A criminal investigation has been launched under charges of attempted murder. Berdenov sustained gunshot wounds to his right thigh and shoulder. The city’s health department stated that as of the morning of April 22, he had regained consciousness and was in a stable but serious condition. Speculation Over Motives Following the attack, various unverified theories were circulating on social media, with one suggesting the motive was personal jealousy. However, this was publicly denied by Berdenov's business partner, Beibit Alibekov, who described the rumors as fabrications. Alibekov suggested instead that the incident may be linked to Berdenov’s recent anti-corruption efforts in the construction sector. The Akimat also rejected claims that the suspect's wife had been harassed by Berdenov, stating that such allegations “do not correspond to reality.” The Respublica Party, of which Berdenov is a member, urged caution, stating that “any premature assessments can be regarded as interference in the investigation.” The party emphasized its stance that “violence in any form is unacceptable.” Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and all circumstances surrounding the attack are being examined. Ruslan Berdenov was appointed Deputy Akim of Shymkent in February 2025. Before that, he served as a deputy in the Mazhilis, the lower house of Kazakhstan’s Parliament, where he worked on the Finance and Budget Committee. A native of Shymkent, Berdenov is 39 years old and fluent in Kazakh, Russian, English, Turkish, and Azeri.