Defense Files No-Confidence Motion Against Judge in High-Profile Kazakh Murder Case

A legal dispute unfolded in a Kazakh courtroom on May 28, 2025, when the defense lawyer for Abzal Shynazyl, accused in the Sherzat Polat murder case, filed a motion of no confidence against presiding Judge Yerzhan Zhanuzakov. The lawyer, Z.K. Abenov, argued that video evidence crucial to the case was insufficient due to poor image quality, hindering the ability to clearly identify the defendant. "The video of the defendant doesn't clearly show his face," stated Abenov. Prosecutors countered that the video had been thoroughly analyzed. Judge Zhanuzakov denied Abenov's request for further expert examination of the video. This led to Abenov's formal complaint against the judge. The Supreme Court will announce the continuation date for the trial. The Sherzat Polat case, which began April 10, involves nine suspects charged with various crimes, potentially facing sentences ranging from 5 to 20 years.