Popular Russian journalist Ksenia Sobchak is in Astana to observe the trial of former minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev, accused of murdering his civil wife Saltanat Nukenova. Sobchak is attending the proceedings in person at the courtroom.
A photo of her with other trial participants was shared by the Supreme Court press service. Sobchak commented on the case on April 4, 2024, stating, "I like how in Kazakhstan they press hard in court (and in society) on the former minister of national economy, who beat his wife to death. I think soon this will be the most progressive country in the former CIS." The trial is held in the Specialized Interdistrict Court for Criminal Cases of the capital, with Judge Aizhan Kulbayeva presiding. Live broadcasts of the court hearings include jury members. The defendants include Kuandyk Bishimbayev and his brother, "Gastrocenter" director Bakhytzhan Bayzhanov, with Bishimbayev denying his guilt.
