Acquittal Overturned in Atbasar Prison Torture Case

The acquittal verdict handed down by a jury in the high-profile case involving the torture of inmates at the Atbasar correctional facility has been overturned, Orda.kz reports, citing the Aqmola Regional Court.

According to the court, 12 employees of the Atbasar District Penitentiary Service were charged with “unauthorized methods of influencing convicts, "Clause 1, Part 3, Article 146 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan."

The jury had found them not guilty, citing a lack of evidence. However, the regional court’s criminal panel annulled that verdict, citing procedural violations during the initial trial.

Specifically, the court found that the jury was present during discussions they should not have attended. In addition, some victims were not given the opportunity to speak during the final arguments.

The same court will now re-examine the case with a new panel of judges.

The trial began in July 2024, following the publication of footage allegedly showing inmates being assaulted by prison staff. The proceedings were held behind closed doors.

A total of 41 people were recognized as victims, including public figure Timur Danebayev, who gave detailed testimony about the abuse and humiliation he experienced. During his sentence, Danebayev claimed to have witnessed at least 20 instances of cruel treatment.

In the aftermath of the scandal, 11 employees of the penal system (KUIS) were dismissed. They later recorded an appeal to the President, claiming that their actions were lawful and that they had been responding to a “mass disobedience” by inmates.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny