Sherzat Polat Homicide Trial: Key Defendant Testifies 

Abzal Shynasyl, the main suspect in the killing of teenager Sherzat Polat, testified in court this week, offering his version of the events that unfolded in Talgar, Orda.kzreports.

According to investigators, it was Shynasyl who inflicted the fatal wound. In court, however, he claimed the fight had already started by the time he arrived at the Kamazhay store on the night of the incident.

He said Sherzat’s uncle, Nurganat Gaipbayev, was the first to attack him.

During the fight, I kicked and beat Sherzat. I stabbed Gaipbayev in the thigh a couple of times. Then, when I got into the car, I wiped the knife. I did this so that there would be no traces. I asked a girl named Dana to wash the weapon with an energy drink. When we ran towards the mountains, we heard that a teenager had died, but I didn't believe it. I don't know Darkhan Askentay (another defendant - Ed.), but I hit him once or twice during the fight. I went to the store because Nurbol Toktaubayev called me,
said Abzal Shynasyl. 

He also retracted earlier statements made during the investigation, including a confession.

Shynasyl told the court that he only accepted blame under pressure.

When we were all gathered for questioning, the investigator said: 'If someone doesn't take the blame for the death of this boy, then you'll all go.' He said that someone should take the blame. We agreed with the guys there – I had a knife, I felt guilty and said: 'If necessary, I'll take the blame for Sherzat.' And for Gaipbayev, we agreed that Shyngys Belgozhaev would confess,
he added. 

During cross-examination, the lawyer for the victim’s family asked him to comment on the injuries found on Sherzat’s body, showing photos.

Did you inflict bodily harm on Sherzat in addition to the knife? At previous court hearings, Gulbara Bishembeyeva said: 'My son had bodily harm on his face and between his fingers.' What can you say about these injuries?
asked lawyer Meirman Shekeyev. 

Shynasyl replied that he “does not know, and allegedly did not touch Sherzat.”

Following his testimony, another defendant, Didar Kaliakhmet, also took the stand. He denied taking part in the attack.

My cousin Sanat Abdykadyr and I went to the bathhouse. After we left, we called another relative named Daulet to pick us up. He arrived, and we immediately went to the store. At the entrance, Gaipbayev spoke to Sanat and asked: 'Have you come to fight?' We entered the store. At that moment, shouting began outside. Then Karzhaubay said that he would not sell us anything and kicked us out. When we left, I turned around and saw that Karzhaubay was walking with a knife. At that moment, I grabbed his hand in self-defense. Then my relatives and I got into the car and drove off. After a while, we heard a loud scream and stopped. I got out of the car, went back to the store, saw that they were fighting there, and went back,
said Kaliakhmet. 

All nine defendants have testified — the trial has moved to the evidence review stage. None have admitted guilt.

The case is being heard in the Taldykorgan court. Orda.kz continues to monitor the proceedings.

Original Author: Perizat Kairat

Read also: 

• Sherzat Polat: Main Trial Begins in Taldykorgan
• Sherzat Polat: Trial Continues in Taldykorgan (report from 18 April) 
• Sherzat Polat: Trial Continues in Taldykorgan (report from 28 April)
• Sherzat Polat: Trial Continues, New Details Emerge (report from 29 April)
• Testimony and Footage Presented in Ongoing Sherzat Polat Homicide Trial (report from 15 May)
• Sherzat Polat Trial: New Testimonies, Background Revealed (report from 16 May)