Sherzat Polat: Appeal Beings in Homicide Case

The Almaty Regional Court has opened hearings on the appeal in the case of the homicide of 16-year-old Sherzat Polat. Eight of those convicted have filed complaints. The proceedings are chaired by Judge Dosymbek Kaldarbek, Orda.kz reports.

Media access is limited to a separate room with poor audio, and camera operators were asked to leave. Reporters are now following the hearing through WhatsApp audio updates.

Relatives of those convicted have already spoken, alleging bias in earlier proceedings and objecting to the civil claim upheld by the court. The session is also considering a separate ruling concerning witnesses Zhaksygeldi Dana, Elmira Nurbekova, Yuldash Rozbakiyev, and Arlan Kazykenov.

The verdict in the case was delivered in early June.

Nine people were found guilty:

• Abzal Shynasyl — 23 years for homicide, attempted homicide, and hooliganism
  
• Ravil Sakiyev — 20 years for attempted homicide and participation in a fight
  
• Azamat Toktaubayev — 15 years for hooliganism, theft, and a prior conviction
  
• Nurkiyas Ilyasov — 9 years, taking into account previous convictions
  
• Darkhan Askentay, Nurbol Toktaubayev, Shyngys Belgozhayev, Didar Kaliakhmet — 7 years each for participating in a fight
  
• Duman Ysqaq (a minor) — 1.5 years for concealing a crime; recently released

Original Author: Perizat Zharylqasyn