Kazakh Defendant Protests 20-Year Sentence: 'Is This Justice?'

A court hearing took place in Kazakhstan on June 3, 2025, focusing on Ravil Sakiev, accused of assault resulting in death. Sakiev, in his final statement, vehemently denied the charges, stating, “I am the only son in my family. I didn’t have any weapon. I didn’t hold a knife. I’ve been in prison for eight months. They give 13 years to those who kill people cruelly. Prosecutor, is it justice that you are asking for 20 years for my two kicks?” He maintained his innocence, claiming he was an accidental witness to the incident and didn’t know the victims. The prosecutor's request for a 20-year sentence for what Sakiev described as two kicks highlights the severity of the charges. The case underscores the importance of thorough investigation and fair sentencing in the justice system. The emotional toll on Sakiev and his family is also evident, with his mother reportedly stating, “I’ve become a pariah.”