Merkur Town Homicide Trial Begins in Almaty

The trial of Askar Tastandiyev, accused of killing a 30-year-old security guard at the Merkur Town residential complex in Almaty, has commenced behind closed doors, Orda.kz reports.

Following preliminary hearings, the main trial is set for January 22.

According to the victim's lawyer, Yerlan Adayev, the defendant faces two charges: homicide with particular cruelty (Article 99) and violation of privacy (Article 147).

To be honest, initially the representatives of this young woman, the former partner of the defendant, filed a motion for the trial to be held behind closed doors. This is understandable, such is the principle of the law. And Tastandiyev's side also filed a motion for a closed trial. The court granted it, but such a decision was made initially, since the case includes Article 147, the lawyer explained.

Adayev attempted to split the proceedings, suggesting that matters involving intimate materials be heard privately while keeping the homicide trial public.

However, the court denied this request, opting to close the entire process.

We intend to reiterate our request that at least the portion of the hearing related to the homicide charge be open to the press, the lawyer reported.

The incident occurred on March 29, when Tastandiyev allegedly ran over a security guard who was attempting to close the gate. The investigation claims he then exited his vehicle and struck the victim multiple times.

The defendant's father, Salamgazy Tastandiyev, served as a deputy in Kazakhstan's 13th Supreme Council and was senior assistant to the Taldykorgan region prosecutor.

Original Author: Danil Utyupin