In Astana on April 15, during the trial of former Minister of National Economy Kuandyk Bishimbayev, Judge Aizhan Kulbayeva issued a private resolution to one of his defense lawyers for repeated disrespect towards the court. Defense lawyer Erlan Gazymzhanov voiced objections twice during the trial, expressing concerns about the one-sided nature of the process and feeling that the court was turning into a "tribunal" against Bishimbayev.
The judge deemed it necessary to discuss issuing a private resolution against Gazymzhanov for disrespect towards the court throughout the trial. The resolution will be sent to the Presidium of the Astana Bar Association for consideration and appropriate action, with the results to be reported back to the court within a month. The judge emphasized the importance of all participants in the trial adhering to procedural norms, controlling their emotions, and following the orders of the presiding judge.
Previously, one of the jurors in Bishimbayev's case was replaced. Bishimbayev was arrested on November 9, 2023, on suspicion of killing his wife at a restaurant in the capital. Investigations concluded on January 8, 2024, with Bishimbayev facing charges of "Murder committed with particular cruelty" and "Torture" in relation to the death of his wife, Saltanat Nukenova.
Witnesses, including an emergency room doctor and a patrol police officer, testified in court on April 8, 2024. The victim's lawyer, Zhanna Urazbakhova, revealed the cause of Saltanat Nukenova's death on April 4. Bishimbayev made a speech in court on April 1, apologizing to Nukenova's family but denying intentional murder.
On April 9, a witness present at the restaurant on the night of Nukenova's death testified in court, along with forensic expert Takhir Khalimnazarov, who detailed the injuries sustained by Nukenova. On April 11, the second defendant, Bakhytzhan Baizhanov, presented his version of the events leading to Nukenova's death.
