Appeal of Fitness Trainer Assault Case in Aqtau Held, Dozens Gathered

An appeal hearing has been held in the tragic case of Alina Serikova, a 29-year-old woman who took her own life following her kidnapping and sexual assault, an Orda.kz correspondent reports.

While the initial court sentenced the five defendants to lengthy prison terms, Serikova's family seeks harsher punishment, including life imprisonment for Nurgeldy Seitkaliyev, the main defendant, and 15-16 years for the others.

Today, the trial has finally begun.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with dozens of supporters gathering outside the courthouse.

According to Alina's friend Asel, the crowd included her friends, gym colleagues, and members of the Kyokushinkai Federation.

Serikova's mother required emergency medical assistance, prompting an ambulance to arrive before the hearing began.

The affected party's side requested that the media be allowed to attend the verdict announcement, but the judges denied the request.

Alina Serikova's brother urged for the harshest possible sentence: life imprisonment for the primary defendant, Nurgeldy Seitkaliev, and 15-16-year sentences for the others. 

The verdict will be rendered tomorrow at 9:30 a.m.

The tragedy took place in May 2024 in Aqtau. Five men abducted Alina as she was walking home from work. They forced her into a car and spent the entire night driving around the city, physically and sexually assaulting her. 

Later, they made her take out a loan, cashed the money, and then let her go.

Overwhelmed by the trauma, Alina took her own life by jumping from the ninth floor of a residential building. Before her death, she told her friend and brother what had happened.

Original Author: Dinara Bekbolaeva