Grace church pastor given suspended prison sentence in Kazakhstan

Pastor of Grace Church Bakhytzhan Kashkumbayev has been given a suspended 4-year sentence with three years of probation by the Almaty District Court #2 in Astana.

The pastor was found guilty under the article 103 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan on charges of inflicting severe harm to human health. He was given a suspended 4-year prison term, sentenced to 3 years of probation, a fine and a recognisance not to leave.

Bakhytzhan Kashkumbayev himself denies causing any harm of any of his church members or being involved in any other wrongdoing. He calls the charges forged and the prosecutor ignorant.