Shymkent Official’s Attacker Partially Admits Guilt, Requests Leniency

The man accused of carrying out an armed attack on Shymkent deputy akim Ruslan Berdenov has partially admitted his guilt and appealed for a lighter sentence, Orda.kz reports.

Yernar Zhiembay delivered his final statement in court, again asking for forgiveness from the injured official.

Let there be no crime in the country, let their number become less. I regret what I have done. I appeal to citizens: do not take up a gun and do not go hunting. For everything I have done with my hands, I am ready to answer. Ruslan Arysbekuly escaped death thanks to the support of God and the help of doctors. I wish him a speedy recovery. Please do not punish me severely,
 he said.

At the same time, the defendant accused Berdenov of trying to politicize the situation:

I fully confirm the testimony. I apologize to the victim Ruslan Arysbekuly. Be that as it may, I caused serious harm to his health. The ability to ask for forgiveness and the ability to forgive is also a human quality. But I, apparently, was unable to demonstrate it. Ruslan Berdenov is trying to politicize the case, stating: 'This bullet was fired not only at me, but at all representatives of state power.' But this is wrong. It turns out that I went on my own, shot for no reason and now must go to prison for many years. Admitting guilt is also an act of a man. Time will tell. I partially admit my guilt,
 Zhiembay told the court.

The defendant stressed that he was of sound mind, a claim confirmed by a psychiatric examination.

The prosecutor has requested a sentence of  11 years and three months in prison. The verdict is expected as early as tomorrow.

Original Author: Nazerke Yerkinbekkyzy