Armed Attack Case: Deputy Akim of Shymkent Testifies About Shooting

Deputy Akim of Shymkent Ruslan Berdenov gave his first detailed testimony at trial, speaking online and answering prosecutors’ questions, Orda.kz reports.

Berdenov told the court he was willing to undergo a lie detector test, stressing he barely knew the accused, Zhiembai.

I saw him only three times. Twice at meetings and once on the day of the attack. Zhiembay called and said he would come to my house, but I didn't pay attention to it. One day, Inspector Asanbay reported that he had threatened to commit suicide. Asanbay thought he was drunk,  he said.

The official recalled complaints during Zhiembai’s leadership of the company Turgyn Uy Shymkent.

For example, that the company Turgyn uy Shymkent received an order without a tender. There was also information that Zhiembay was buying construction materials in large quantities. So I asked for a report. But he did not provide anything and began to argue with the inspector. After that, I said that we could no longer work together, Berdenov noted.

All My Strength

Berdenov described the day of the attack in detail.

He shot me five times. When I fell, two young women ran up to me, they were filming a video for TikTok. One of them turned out to be a paramedic. They helped me, asked me not to close my eyes. I couldn't breathe because my right lung was damaged. During the operation, 20% of the organ was removed. I thought I was going to die. I read the Kalima. I realized that I needed to gather all my strength and get up. Because Zhiembay wanted to deliver a final shot. After five shots, it was as if he was loading a gun. Perhaps it jammed. Why would he run up to me then? Think for yourself!
 the deputy akim said.

The official also commented on the involvement of the accused’s wife.

It is wrong to drag your wife, the mother of your children, into this story. You must answer. I know your goal. Your father contacted my lawyer and threatened to put an end to my career, he stated in court.

Zhiembai repeatedly invoked Berdenov’s name during testimony before concluding that his family did not want to slander.

The trial has now moved to closing arguments. The state prosecutor asked the court to find him guilty of attempted homicide and sentence him to 11 years and 3 months in prison.

Original Author: Correspondent