On May 3, 2024, the continuation of judicial debates took place in the Specialized Interdistrict Court on Criminal Cases of Astana concerning the case of Kuandyk Bishimbaev. Defense attorney Erlan Gazymzhanov addressed the court, emphasizing that Bishimbaev is accused of torture against a financially dependent person and murder with particular cruelty. Gazymzhanov argued that the three instances of beatings mentioned in the indictment do not amount to systematic torture.
Gazymzhanov raised concerns about the lack of motive for Bishimbaev to kill Saltanat Nukenova and questioned the prosecution's assertion that the President's Security Service personnel prevented the defendants from moving the deceased from Bau restaurant on the day of the murder. However, Judge Aizhan Kulbayeva cautioned Gazymzhanov regarding his behavior in court.
Prosecutor Aizhan Aymaganova presented the prosecution's stance, while Nukenova's brother, Aitbek Amangeldey, appealed to the jurors for justice. Victims' attorney Zhanna Urazbakhova stated that the guilt of Bishimbaev and Bayzhanov in the crime is convincingly supported by the evidence provided by the prosecution, a sentiment echoed by attorney Damir Ishmametov.
Subsequently, the defense attorney for Kuandyk Bishimbaev, Leila Ramazanova, presented her arguments in court.
