In the court of Astana, the second part of the debates on the case of former minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev has begun. Also present in the dock is his brother Bakytzhan Bayzhanov. This part of the proceedings will be closed to the public.
Judge Aizhan Kulbayeva informed that the participants and the media were previously explained that in the absence of jurors, issues outside their competence are discussed.
"For the duration of the second part of the court debates, I request the suspension of broadcasting, and ask the media to leave the courtroom," she said.
The judge clarified the requirements of the Criminal Procedure Code, stating that the debates in court with jurors consist of two parts.
"The first part includes speeches by the state prosecutor, defense, defendant, victim, and their representatives, who present their positions on the proven or unproven guilt of the defendant without mentioning their previous convictions, if any. The parties cannot mention circumstances not subject to consideration by the court with jurors, or refer to evidence not examined in the court session," she declared.
The second part of the debates is conducted without the participation of jurors. It will also consist of speeches by the state prosecutor, defense lawyers, defendants, victims, and their representatives. In this part, according to the Criminal Procedure Code, they will present their positions on the qualification of the defendants' actions and the imposition of punishment.
Earlier, it was reported that in the criminal court of Astana, debates on the case of former minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev with the participation of jurors had concluded.
On May 2, the court announced the completion of the judicial investigation and transition to the parties' debates. Prosecutor Aizhan Aymaganova presented the prosecution's position. Later, Aitbek Amangeldey, the brother of Saltanat Nukenova, addressed the jurors and appealed for justice.
Additionally, the lawyer for the victims' side, Zhanna Urazbakhova, spoke in court and stated that the guilt of Bishimbayev and Bayzhanov in the committed crime is fully proven by the evidence presented by the prosecution. Lawyer Damir Ishmametov shares the same opinion.
Leila Ramazanova voiced the defense's position. Lawyer Erlan Gazymzhanov also expressed his views during the debates. He believes that Kuandyk Bishimbayev had no motive to kill Saltanat Nukenova. The mother of the defendant, Almira Nurlibekova, apologized to the relatives of Saltanat Nukenova during her statement in court.
On May 3, Kuandyk Bishimbayev presented his position during the debates.
