Kazakhstan: Supreme Judicial Jury Chair Discusses Acquittal Rate

The acquittal rate in Kazakhstan's courts represents only 3-5% of all cases, with remaining verdicts reviewed by higher courts through appeals or cassation complaints, reports Orda.kz.

This information was shared by Nurzhan Kaiypzhan, Chair of the Supreme Judicial Jury under the Supreme Judicial Council, during a briefing at the Central Communications Service.

Why are there fewer acquittals? This is because the investigative, prosecutorial and pre-trial investigation bodies carefully study all the arguments of the parties when sending criminal cases and transfer the case to court only if the guilt of the accused is confirmed. Therefore, the number of guilty verdicts is greater than the number of acquittals,  he explained.

Kaiypzhan added that allegations of pressure on judges require thorough investigation, noting that such appeals are forwarded to the Prosecutor's Office.

If such cases do exist, the parties have the right to state this in appeals or cassation complaints against the court's verdict, said the Chair of the Supreme Judicial Jury.

He emphasized that interference with court proceedings or pressuring judges is prohibited according to Kazakhstan's Constitution and law.

The assertion that the number of acquittals is low due to pressure on judges requires detailed verification in each specific case,  he concluded.

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova