Journalist of "Navi" internet newspaper Askhat
Sharipzhanov died
Journalist of "Navi" internet newspaper Askhat
Sharipzhanov died because of "grave craniocerebral injuries"
received in a road accident. Turanbek Tolendiyev, chief doctor from
the 7th city clinic, has stated this on July 20, at a press
conference in Almaty.
Earlier it was reported that the journalist A. Sharipzhanov had
fallen victim to a road accident July 16 around 23:00 PM in 14
metres West of Auezov Street in Almaty. A private car "Mitsubishi
Galant" running westwards along Abai Avenue driven by a temporarily
unemployed K. Kalzhanov, born in Kzylorda province, ran into A.
Sharipzhanov crossing Abai Ave in the Northern direction, who
without having crossed the street suddenly turned around and went
back. Right after the accident the driver of "Mitsubishi Galant",
after rendering first aid to the victim called police and ambulance.
That afternoon Sharipzhanov had interviewed Altynbek Sarsenbayev,
the new information minister and a reformist, as well as Zamanbek
Nurkadilov, a major figure in the opposition to President Nursultan
Nazerbayev.
Editor of Navigator, Yuri Mizinov, said the transcripts of the
interviews had disappeared from the journalists computer, as had
his tape-recorder. These details make us doubt the official version
of the accident," he said.
According to T. Tolendiyev, an operation was made to the patient on
July 17. Doctors made a post-operation diagnosis - "grave open
craniocerebral injury. Grave brain contusion with cerebral
compression. Acute subdural hemorrhage of the left hemosphere.
Fracture of calvarium skull base. Fracture of ethmoid bones.
Fracture of frontal bones with crushing of the brain." There were no
extremities injuries, just the head, what is not typical.
"Doctors have done everything possible to save his life. Best forces
of Kazakhstan were involved," - Vasily Devyatko, head of Almaty
healthcare department, has stressed at the press conference.
Reporters Without Borders has called for an investigation after
journalist Askhat Sharipzhanov. The international press freedom
organization urged interior minister, Zautbek Turisbekov, to ensure
there was an open investigation to clear up doubts about the
journalistıs cause of death.
"The death of Askhat Sharipzhanov is a serious loss to Kazakhstanıs
independent press, said Reporters Without Borders, calling on the
authorities to keep it informed of the progress of the
investigation.
Navigator (www.navi.kz) is one of
the most visited independent news websites in the country, all
customers of Kazakhtelecom, the main Internet provider, and also of
Nursat and Ducat, were prevented from getting access to the site.
July 21, 2004. By
http://www.gazeta.kz/ENG/art.asp?aid=47496
www.press-freedom.org
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