Kazakhstan Court Rejects Bid to Replace Judge in High-Profile Death Trial

Taldykorgan Court Rejects Judge Replacement Request in Sherzat Polat Death Trial A request to replace Judge Erjan Zhanuzakov in the ongoing trial surrounding the death of Sherzat Polat was denied by a higher court in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan, on May 28, 2025. The request, made by the lawyer for main defendant Abzal Shynasyl, argued that Judge Zhanuzakov's failure to summon an expert witness demonstrated bias. However, Judge Askarbek Beimbetov reviewed the request and found it lacked merit. The trial will continue under Judge Zhanuzakov's leadership. "The judge's refusal to call the expert witness is a clear violation of due process," stated Shynasyl's lawyer in a statement. "This significantly undermines the fairness of the trial." The ruling maintains the status quo, with the trial proceeding under the original judge. The decision highlights the ongoing legal complexities and the intense scrutiny surrounding this high-profile case.