Yana Legkodimova: Prosecutors Request Life Sentences for Suspects

At the latest hearing in the case of Yana Legkodimova’s killing in Atyrau Region, prosecutors announced the punishment they believe is appropriate for the two defendants — Rizuan Khairzhanov and his alleged accomplice, Altynbek Katimov, Orda.kz reports.

The prosecution requested life imprisonment for both men.

Khairzhanov is charged with premeditated homicide committed with particular cruelty, as well as intentional destruction of property resulting in severe consequences. Katimov is accused of participating in the crime as an accomplice acting in prior agreement.

Prosecutors proposed:

• Khairzhanov — life imprisonment for homicide, plus an additional six years for property destruction
• Katimov — life imprisonment as an accomplice

The court is expected to announce its final verdict at the upcoming hearings. Orda.kz will continue to follow the case.

Initially, Rizuan Khairzhanov was charged under Article 99, Part 2, Clause 7 (“Homicide committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy”) and Article 188, Part 2, Clause 1 (“Theft”), both considered offenses of medium gravity.

Altynbek Katimov faced the same homicide charge, along with an additional clause under Article 99, and the same theft charge.

Prosecutors later reclassified the case with more serious accusations. Both defendants now stand charged under Clauses 7 and 8 of Article 99, Part 2 (“Homicide committed by a group by prior conspiracy, including homicide for hire”) and Clause 6 of Article 202, Part 2 (“Intentional destruction of property committed by a group by prior conspiracy”).

Original Author: Daniel Arturov