The trial of Kuandyk Bishimbayev, accused of the brutal murder of his civil wife Saltanat Nukenova, continues in Astana. On April 15, before the start of the proceeding, one of the jurors was replaced.
Judge Aizhan Kulbayeva explained the replacement. A juror under №2 did not show up in the courtroom due to health reasons. According to Article 645 of the Criminal Procedure Code, jurors must be present throughout the trial. If during the trial it is discovered that a juror cannot participate, they are replaced by a reserve juror in the order they were drawn.
On November 9, 2023, former Minister of National Economy Kuandyk Bishimbayev was arrested on suspicion of killing his wife. The tragedy occurred at the Bau restaurant in the capital.
On January 8, 2024, it was reported that the investigation into Bishimbayev's case was completed. Later, the Ministry of Internal Affairs revealed that besides "Murder committed with particular cruelty," he was also charged with "Torture."
On April 8, two witnesses – an emergency doctor and a patrol police officer – testified in court. On April 4, the victim's lawyer, Zhanna Urazbakhova, disclosed the cause of Saltanat Nukenova's death.
On April 1, Kuandyk Bishimbayev addressed the court, asking for forgiveness from Saltanat Nukenova's relatives. He did not admit guilt in intentionally killing her.
On April 9, a witness who was at the restaurant on the night of Nukenova's murder testified in court. That day, forensic expert Takhir Khalimnazarov detailed Nukenova's injuries and the cause of her death.
On April 11, the second defendant, Bakhytzhan Bayzhanov, presented his version of the events on the day Saltanat Nukenova died.
