Chaos and Fear: Eyewitness Account of Post-Verdict Riot in Kazakh Courtroom

Chaos Erupts in Kazakh Courtroom After Polat Murder Verdict Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan – The aftermath of the Sherzat Polat murder trial in Taldykorgan was far from peaceful. Following the announcement of the verdict on June 6th, 2025, a riot broke out in the courtroom. Perizat Saduakas-Khairullina, the head of the online broadcast team covering the trial, provided a firsthand account of the events. "In that moment, it became truly terrifying," Saduakas-Khairullina recounted. "The defendants began smashing glass, relatives screamed, climbing onto benches. It was aggression, panic, and chaos." She described the intense pressure as she stood near the defendants, separated only by a few riot police officers. Saduakas-Khairullina acted swiftly, immediately cutting the live broadcast to prevent further escalation and to ensure the safety of the journalists present. The quick thinking of the Supreme Court's camera operators also saved the equipment from damage. While some footage of the disturbance was captured and shared on social media, Saduakas-Khairullina spoke of the emotional exhaustion following the event, describing a feeling of "emptiness" instead of the expected satisfaction of a job well done. This incident underscores the challenges faced by journalists in covering high-stakes legal proceedings and the importance of safety protocols in such situations. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential for unexpected events to unfold even after a trial concludes.