Lawyer Comments on Handling of Sherzat Polat Homicide Trial

The legal process in the case of Sherzat Polat’s killing has drawn criticism from well-known lawyer Dzhokhar Utebekov. Writing on his Telegram channel, Utebekov shared his concerns about the way the trial is unfolding, Orda.kz reports.

The case concerns the fatal attack on 16-year-old Sherzat Polat, who was killed in Talgar on the night of October 4, 2024. A group of individuals was initially detained in connection with the incident, which local residents linked to a group referred to as the “Khutors.”

There were 15 people at the scene of Sherzat's killing! 13 were put under investigation. 11 were arrested. Nine went to trial. Only one is accused of Sherzat's homicide. Just one! The other defendants only 'kept their neighbors from sleeping,' and are being tried for hooliganism!
notes Dzhokhar Utebekov. 

He asks a reasonable question: what did the entire country see on surveillance video if not a group killing of Sherzat?

The term “Khutor” has appeared in courtroom discussions, although police previously denied the existence of such an organized group.

Utebekov raises related concerns:

The judge is conducting the Sherzat case legally impeccably. But he cannot put those who the police and prosecutors have already released in jail for homicide. In just a year, the Talgar 'hooligans' will be able to get out on parole. And will they again (kill — the author crossed out the word in the telegram post - Ed.) 'prevent people from sleeping'? The 'Khutors' have once again evaded the law! Isn't this what they noted in the temporary detention center? Isn't this why they smile in court?
Utebekov writes. 

Earlier, video footage circulated online of the suspects celebrating with cake and candles in a detention facility. 

Utebekov continues by pointing out what he sees as weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

The prosecutor's office believes that only one defendant, Shynasyl, killed Sherzat with a knife. Even this 'minimalist' charge is falling apart before our eyes! The prosecutors did not present a single witness to this knife attack to the court. There were dozens of people there, how is this possible? Why didn't the police 'crack' anyone and didn't find a video of the attack either. And this is a high-profile case, but can you imagine how the police investigate ordinary cases? And where was the prosecutor's office looking during the entire investigation? Shame!
adds Utebekov. 

He also spoke about what he describes as factual inconsistencies in the charges:

Supposedly, he stabbed Sherzat at 00:42, and Nurganat at 01:04. Are you mad?! Sherzat fought for 20 minutes with a knife wound? He ran away from the store and fell. That's where they got him, it's in the infamous video. All this lasts a couple of minutes! If Nurganat was stabbed at 01:04, then Sherzat at 01:02, and by 00:42 the bandits had merely arrived at the store! Why did the investigation 'rush'? There are tons of videos to establish the timing down to the seconds,
the lawyer said. 

Concluding, Utebekov stated that the case was investigated poorly and suspected the police and prosecutors of creating an alibi for the suspect. He ended his post with an ironic offer to draft the indictment himself.

Sherzat Polat was killed outside a store in Talgar. After the investigation began, unknown individuals set fire to his family’s home. The pre-trial investigation concluded on January 21, 2025.

Orda.kz continues to follow developments.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya