On May 13th, in Astana, another court hearing took place in the case of Kuandyk Bishimbaev and his relative Bakhytzhan Baiyzhanov. Judge Aizhan Kulbayeva presented 13 questions to the jury.
During the previous hearing, the court retired to a consultation room to formulate questions to be resolved by the court with the participation of the jury selected by the parties. The questions have been formulated, and the judge has presented them.
Accusations against Bishimbaev under Article 110, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- Has it been proven that from December 16, 2022, to November 9, 2023, the victim Nukenova suffered physical and moral torment, including regular beatings to various parts of the body and head, as well as humiliation of honor and dignity?
- Has it been proven that the accused Kuandyk Bishimbaev committed this act?
- Is Bishimbaev guilty of committing this act?
- Has it been proven that since living together with the accused Bishimbaev, the victim Nukenova ceased to earn money independently and was financially dependent on him?
Accusations under Article 99, Part 2, point 5 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
- Has it been proven that on November 9, 2023, after lunch at the Bao restaurant, the victim Nukenova died from a closed craniocerebral injury, leading to her death?
- Has it been proven that under the circumstances described, the victim Nukenova's death was intentionally caused by inflicting numerous targeted blows to the head?
- Is the accused Bishimbaev guilty of committing this act?
- Has Bishimbaev deliberately deprived Nukenova of life by inflicting physical and moral suffering, causing numerous bodily injuries, depriving her of water and sleep?
The judge also presented questions regarding the accusation of Baiyzhanov under Article 432 of the Criminal Code:
- Has it been proven that on November 9, 2023, at the Bao restaurant, measures were taken to conceal the traces of the crime?
- Has it been proven that the accused Baiyzhanov committed this act?
- Is Baiyzhanov guilty of committing this act?
"Currently, the judge and 10 main jury members are deliberating to reach a verdict, while the alternate juror is in a separate room. The announcement of the court's decision will be communicated later," stated Aizhan Kulbayeva.
On May 2nd, the court announced the end of the judicial investigation and moved to the parties' arguments. Prosecutor Aizhan Aimaghanova presented the prosecution's position. Later, Saltanat Nukenova's brother, Aitbek Amangel'dy, addressed the jury.
Furthermore, the victims' lawyer, Zhanna Urazbakova, stated in court that the guilt of Bishimbaev and Baiyzhanov is fully proven by the evidence presented by the prosecution. This opinion is shared by lawyer Damir Ishmametov.
Leila Ramazanova presented the defense's position. During the arguments, lawyer Erlan Gazymzhanov expressed his belief that Kuandyk Bishimbaev had no motive to kill Saltanat Nukenova. The accused Bishimbaev's mother, Almira Nurlibekova, apologized to Nukenova's relatives in court.
On May 3rd, Kuandyk Bishimbaev voiced his position during the arguments. On May 6th, Bishimbaev and Baiyzhanov made their final statements in court.
