On April 9, 2024, at 9:30 am, the trial of former Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Kuandyk Bishimbayev, accused of the brutal murder of his wife Saltanat Nukenova, commenced. The Supreme Court of Kazakhstan is live-streaming the proceedings from the courtroom.
The case of the ex-minister is being heard in the Specialized Inter-District Court for Criminal Cases of the capital, with Judge Aizhan Kulbayeva presiding. Kuandyk Bishimbayev and his brother, Bakhytzhan Bayzhanov, are sitting in the defendants' dock.
Bishimbayev was arrested on November 9, 2023, on suspicion of killing his wife at the Bau restaurant in the capital. The investigation into Bishimbayev's case was completed on January 8, 2024, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs stating that he is also charged with "Torture" in addition to "Murder committed with particular cruelty."
On March 11, the first court session took place where the prosecutor presented the investigation's version, followed by Bishimbayev stating his position. The main trial commenced on March 27, with a jury overseeing the case.
On March 29, Saltanat Nukenova's brother recounted how they learned about her murder. On April 1, Bishimbayev apologized to Nukenova's family and expressed readiness to face divine judgment. On April 3, the ex-minister revealed details of the events on the day of Nukenova's death.
On April 4, the victim's lawyer, Zhanna Urazbakhova, disclosed the cause of Nukenova's death and the conclusions reached by forensic experts. Additionally, on April 8, a paramedic and a police officer were questioned in court.
