Sherzat Polat: Main Defendant Sentenced to 23 Years

The trial concerning the killing of Sherzat Polat concluded today in Taldykorgan, Orda.kz reports.

Abzal Shynasyl, the main defendant, was sentenced to 23 years in prison. He was convicted under Part 2 of Article 99 ("Homicide") and Part 3 of Article 24 ("Preparation and Attempt to Commit a Crime") of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Judge Yerzhan Zhanuzakov handed down the following sentences to the other defendants:

• Ravil Sakiyev: 20 years in prison
• Azamat Toktaubayev: 15 years
• Nurkiyas Ilyasov: 9 years
• Shyngys Belgazhayev: 7 years
• Darkhan Askentay: 7 years
• Nurboll Toktaubayev: 7 years
• Didar Kaliyakhmet: 7 years
• Duman Ysqaq (a minor): 1.5 years

As compensation for moral damages, 60 million tenge was ordered to be recovered from Abzal Shynasyl, 30 million tenge from Ravil Sakiyev, and an additional 30 million tenge jointly from the other convicted individuals and Sakiyev (excluding the minor).

Judge Yerzhan Zhanuzakov explained why only Abzal Shynasyl, the main suspect, was convicted of the homicide.

According to the judge, there was a single stab wound inflicted by one person.

Judge Zhanuzakov also advised prosecutors to take a closer look at four witnesses: Dana Zhaksygeldy, Elmira Nurbekova, as well as Kazakenov and Ruzbakiyev.

Earlier, the affected party’s lawyer, Meirman Shekeyev, had filed a motion requesting that the first two be held accountable, but the judge denied it.

The verdict was met with strong reactions from both the victim’s family and the defendants. Some of the defendants hit the glass of the courtroom holding cell with such force that the entire structure shook.

Tensions escalated outside the courthouse. People shouted, cursed, and expressed dissatisfaction over the ruling.

Before the verdict was rendered, Sherzat’s family stated they were dissatisfied with the sentences proposed.

According to Perizat Nuryumova, the family believes the defendants should have been tried for group homicide.

Our family is not satisfied. We do not agree with the sentences requested by the prosecutor. Our lawyers insisted the case be treated under the article for group homicide. Why did they come as a group, but the court treats them separately and assigns different terms? The punishment should be collective. 

Prior to the final court session, people were laying flowers outside the Kamazhay store in memory of Sherzat. 

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