Kazakhstan Court Rejects Recusal Request in High-Profile Murder Trial

Court Rejects Defense Motion in Polat Murder Trial A court in Kazakhstan has denied a defense motion to remove Judge Erzhan Zhanuzak from the trial of individuals accused in the murder of Sherzat Polat. The defense, led by attorney Shynasyl Abanov, argued that inconsistencies in video evidence presented by the prosecution required further investigation and the testimony of a key investigator. "The prosecution offered their version, contradicting evidence that Shynasyl arrived at the scene later," Abanov stated. "We requested an expert to analyze discrepancies in video recordings and the questioning of the investigator, but the court refused." Despite support from other defense attorneys and the defendants' families, the prosecution opposed the motion, and the judge ultimately ruled to continue the trial with Judge Zhanuzak presiding. This decision highlights the ongoing legal proceedings and the challenges faced by the defense team in presenting their case.