Today, May 6, 2024, marked another court hearing in the criminal case against former minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev and his relative Bakhytzhan Bayzhanov. The defendants delivered their final statements.
Bishimbayev stated that it was his choice to have the trial with the participation of jurors. He expressed the challenges he faced due to the extensive campaigns on social media and in the media inciting hatred towards him, distorting the circumstances of the case, and tarnishing his and his family's reputation. Despite these challenges, he and his defense team decided to have a trial open to the media and with jurors.
He emphasized that his sole purpose was to convey the truth about that tragic evening and his relationship with Saltanat Nukenova to at least ten people. Bishimbayev acknowledged his failure on the night of November 8-9, admitting his actions led to the death of a loved one and caused sorrow to her parents. He asked for forgiveness from all citizens whose feelings were hurt by the event, as well as from his own family, friends, and children.
Bishimbayev admitted his guilt but denied intentional murder, stating that he did not attempt to evade responsibility despite having the means to do so.
On the other hand, Bayzhanov claimed he would not have covered up Bishimbayev's crime if he had known about it. He confessed to his actions of closing the restaurant, deleting surveillance camera footage, and following other instructions from Bishimbayev, without realizing they could be perceived as an attempt to conceal a crime.
The court proceedings on May 2 announced the end of the judicial investigation and moved on to the arguments from both sides. The prosecutor, Aizhan Aymaganova, presented the prosecution's position. Later, Saltanat Nukenova's brother, Aitbek Amangelde, appealed to the jurors for justice.
The victims' side lawyer, Zhanna Urazbakhova, and attorney Damir Ishmametov both asserted that Bishimbayev and Bayzhanov's guilt in the committed crime was fully proven by the evidence presented by the prosecution. The defense's position was voiced by Leila Ramazanova and attorney Erlan Gazymzhanov, who argued that Bishimbayev had no motive to kill Saltanat Nukenova.
Bishimbayev presented his position during the arguments on May 3, and on May 4, 2024, the arguments concluded. The second part of the arguments, held on the same day, was closed to the public and conducted without jurors and the media.
