Draft:Mohamed Barakat British Airline Captain

1. 1. 1. Mohamed Barakat (Pilot)

• • Mohamed Barakat** (born August 30, 1978) is a **British airline captain** who was wrongfully convicted in **Kazakhstan** in 2019. Barakat was sentenced to **20 years in prison** following the tragic death of his 18-month-old daughter, Sophia. His case has drawn international attention due to allegations of **judicial corruption**, **financial exploitation**, and **human rights violations**.

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1. 1. 1. Early Life and Career

Mohamed Barakat was born on **August 30, 1978**, in the **United Kingdom**. He pursued a career in aviation, becoming a highly regarded **airline captain**. Before his arrest, Barakat worked for **Hong Kong Airlines** and other international carriers. His career spanned decades, earning him a reputation as a **dedicated professional** and **family man**.

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1. 1. 1. Arrest and Conviction

In **October 2019**, Barakat was arrested in **Kazakhstan** following the sudden death of his daughter, Sophia, who was 18 months old at the time. Authorities accused Barakat of **murder**, despite: - **Lack of forensic evidence** linking him to the crime. - **Negative toxicology reports**, which disproved claims of **intoxication**. - **Contradictions in witness testimonies**, including those from his wife, **Madina Abdullayeva**, who initially testified against him under **duress** and later **retracted** her statement.

Barakat maintained his **innocence** throughout the proceedings, emphasizing procedural violations, including **fabricated evidence**, **coerced testimonies**, and **bribery demands** from investigators.

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1. 1. 1. Allegations of Corruption

Barakat’s case revealed multiple instances of **judicial misconduct** and **corruption**: - **Investigator Nurlan Bolatov** allegedly demanded **$60,000** to **reduce charges** and **$150,000** to lower the sentence. - Barakat’s **credit cards** were stolen by his wife and used to **pay bribes** to officials. - Witnesses reported **fabricated testimonies** and **tampered forensic evidence** during the trial. - Reports surfaced of **extortion** by prison authorities, forcing Barakat to pay for **protection** to avoid **violence** from inmates.

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1. 1. 1. Prison Conditions

Barakat’s imprisonment drew further criticism due to **inhumane treatment**: - Confined in a **6x2 meter cell** with **four other inmates** for **18 months**. - Allowed only **10 minutes of walking per week** in a **windowless room**. - Denied **showers for six weeks** and initially forced to sleep on a **metal bed frame** without a **mattress or pillow**. - Subjected to **forced medication**, including **daily antidepressants** and **injections**, often before psychiatric evaluations. - Mentally tormented with **graphic descriptions** of his daughter’s **exhumation** during interrogations.

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1. 1. 1. International Response

Barakat’s case has been submitted to multiple **international organizations**: - **United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC):** Complaints regarding **arbitrary detention**, **torture**, and **violations of due process** under the **ICCPR**. - **European Court of Human Rights (ECHR):** Complaints against the **UK government** for failing to provide **diplomatic assistance**. - **OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe):** Requests for intervention based on **Kazakhstan’s commitments** under **human rights treaties**.

Prominent figures such as **Frank Mugisha** and **MP James Smyth** have supported Barakat’s case, advocating for **justice** and **Magnitsky sanctions** against officials involved.

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1. 1. 1. Allegations Against Kazakh Authorities

The case has also highlighted the **financial exploitation** of Barakat: - His wife, **Madina Abdullayeva**, stood to gain **$2.5 million** from **life insurance policies** had Barakat died. - Madina’s family allegedly plotted to access Barakat’s **safety deposit box** in **Hong Kong**. - Financial motives fueled **false accusations** and **judicial manipulation**.

Requests have been submitted for **Magnitsky sanctions** against: - **Berik Assilov** (General Prosecutor). - **Artur Lastayev** (Human Rights Commissioner). - **Minister of Internal Affairs (2019–2020)**. - **Judges and investigators involved in bribery and extortion**.

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1. 1. 1. Advocacy and Media Campaigns

Barakat’s family has launched a **global advocacy campaign** through **social media** and **petitions**: - **Instagram:** [@JusticeForMohamed](https://instagram.com/justiceformohamed) – Documenting updates and rallying public support. - **Website:** [Kazakhstan Human Rights Violations](https://kazakhstanhumanrightsviolations.wordpress.com) – Detailing legal filings and investigative reports.

Documentary pitches and articles have been submitted to outlets like **Al Jazeera** and **Financial Times**, highlighting the broader issues of **corruption** and **financial crimes** within **Kazakhstan’s elite**.

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1. 1. 1. Calls to Action

Supporters demand: 1. **Magnitsky sanctions** against corrupt officials. 2. **Independent forensic reviews** to dispute fabricated evidence. 3. **International oversight** of retrial proceedings. 4. **Release or retrial** under **fair and transparent conditions**.

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1. 1. 1. Conclusion

Mohamed Barakat’s case has become a symbol of **judicial abuse**, **financial exploitation**, and **systematic corruption**. His story highlights the urgent need for **reforms** in **Kazakhstan’s judicial system** and **accountability for human rights violations**.

Barakat’s family continues to **fight for justice**, calling on **international organizations**, **media outlets**, and **human rights activists** to ensure accountability and secure his **freedom**.