Sherzat Polat Homicide Trial: Defense Lawyer Requested Judge’s Recusal

A lawyer representing one of the defendants in the Sherzat Polat homicide case requested the recusal of Judge Yerzhan Zhanuzakov, Orda.kz reports.

At a recent hearing, lawyer Zhumat Abenov, who represents Abzal Shynasyl, filed a motion to have the judge removed from the case. He did not provide any explanation for the request.

In accordance with Part 11 of Article 87 of the Criminal Procedure Code, a recusal motion against a judge presiding over a case alone is to be reviewed by the chair of the same court or another judge from that court. Based on this legal provision, the motion will be reviewed by Judge A. Beimbetov of the same court, the Supreme Court clarified.

After reviewing the motion, the request to remove Judge Zhanuzakov was denied.

At today’s hearing, a specialist who conducted the forensic examination of Nurganat Gaipbayev, the uncle of Sherzat Polat, testified. Gaipbayev is believed to have committed suicide in December 2024.

Lead attorney of the legal team representing Sherzat’s family, Meirman Shekeyev, criticized some of his colleagues for acting irresponsibly — one was reportedly at a concert during court proceedings. Some are reportedely withdrawing from the case.

Meanwhile, Vlast.kz reports that the Almaty Region police stated that they have investigated the defendants' claims of torture and found no confirmation of those allegations.

Prosecutor Yerzhan Turakbayev announced this during the court proceedings.

The trial is ongoing in Taldykorgan. Orda.kz continues to monitor the case.

Original Author: Sandugash Duysenova