May 3, 2024 - The court debates in the case of Kuandyk Bishimbayev continued today. The former minister voiced his position in court.
The defendant stated that most of his arguments were voiced by his defense team. He expressed his remorse for the events that unfolded, acknowledging his guilt and expressing deep regret for the loss of Saltanat.
Bishimbayev emphasized that he confessed his guilt immediately after being detained, but did not expect to face such severe charges within two days. He spoke of his emotional turmoil and the difficulty in coming to terms with the situation.
He maintained that he could not take responsibility for intentionally killing Saltanat Nukenova, denying the allegations of premeditated murder with particular cruelty. He claimed that the tragedy was unintentional and that he did not inflict any torment on Saltanat Nukenova.
The court had previously announced the completion of the judicial investigation and transitioned to the debates between the parties. Prosecutor Aizhan Aimagambetova presented the prosecution's position, while Aitbek Amangeldey, Saltanat Nukenova's brother, appealed to the jurors for justice.
The victims' side lawyer, Zhanna Urazbakhova, asserted that the guilt of Bishimbayev and Baijanov in the crime had been fully proven by the evidence presented by the prosecution. This stance was supported by lawyer Damir Ishmametov.
Leila Ramazanova presented the defense's position, and lawyer Erlan Gazymzhanov argued that Kuandyk Bishimbayev had no motive to kill Saltanat Nukenova. Almira Nurlibekova, the defendant's mother, apologized to Saltanat Nukenova's relatives during her statement in court.
