Appeal Hearing in Yerlan Kozhagapanov Case Continues in Astana

On August 19, the appeal hearing in the high-profile case of former Vice Minister of Culture Yerlan Kozhagapanov continued in Astana, Orda.kz reports. 

The court considered a new motion concerning the defense of the second defendant, businesswoman Lyazzat Kokkozova.

Her lawyer, Makish Yeskarayev, told the court that the Commissioner for the Protection of Entrepreneurs’ Rights of Kazakhstan, Kanat Nurov, had studied the case materials and intends to represent Kokkozova’s interests at the appellate stage. To enable this, the defendant plans to formally delegate her powers to him.

The court left the petition open until the necessary supporting documents are provided.

Kozhagapanov was previously convicted of embezzling one billion tenge during the organization of the XV Interregional Forum of Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Russia. He received a three-year prison sentence and a lifetime ban on holding public office. Kokkozova, director of the SUCCESS K agency, was sentenced to five years for large-scale fraud.

The prosecutor’s office, however, is seeking harsher punishment. State prosecutor Aktore Berikov has requested that Kozhagapanov’s prison term be increased to seven years, that he be stripped of his state awards — the Order of Aibyn, 2nd degree, and the Order of Kurmet — and that both defendants be ordered to pay more than one billion tenge in damages.

The appeal proceedings are ongoing.

Original Author: Dinara Bekbolayeva