Critic of Kazakh government receives gunshot wounds in Kyiv hospital.
Journalist Aydos Sadykov, leader of opposition online news platform BӰCE and harsh critic of Kazakhstan's president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is currently hospitalized following Tuesday's attack when a masked gunman approached his car, fired shots, and swiftly escaped, according to the Office of Ukraine's Prosecutor General.
Natalya Sadykova, Aydos' wife and fellow journalist, shared on Facebook following the incident that an assault occurred near their residential area in Kyiv.
The government of Kazakhstan is headed by autocrat Tokayev, known for adopting aggressive tactics to preserve control. In 2022, Tokayev faced the most significant challenge to his authority, sparked by public outrage over a surge in fuel prices, which escalated into broader demonstrations over corruption, joblessness, and poverty in the oil-rich ex-Soviet nation. To quell the uprising, Tokayev allegedly gave the order to "eliminate without hesitation."
Ukrainian law enforcement is working diligently to track down the shooter, as reported by the Prosecutor General's Office on Wednesday.
The attack took place in Shevchenkivskyi district, capital's vicinity, close to the Sadykovs' residence, stated the Prosecutor General’s Office. "Presently, Aydos is in critical condition in the hospital," they added.
Since 2014, the Sadykov couple have resided in Ukraine and possess "refugee status," according to the Prosecutor General's Office.
In another Facebook update on Wednesday, Natalya Sadykova condemned the attack as "brutal" and "callous," occurring in broad daylight in the presence of witnesses.
"Aydos was driving into our house's yard when the shooting occurred. I was seated beside him in the passenger seat," Sadykova said. "At present, Aydos has undergone surgery and is currently in intensive care in critical condition. I implore everyone to pray for his survival."
Sadykova laid blame on Tokayev for the assassination attempt and insisted that her husband consistently defended Kazakhstan's interests.
CNN attempted to obtain further comments from Natalya Sadykova.
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The attack on journalist Aydos Sadykov occurred in the Shevchenkivskyi district, which is part of Kyiv, Europe's capital. Despite residing in Ukraine with refugee status, Sadykov has been a vocal critic of Kazakhstan's president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, known for his assertive control tactics.
