The Almaly District Court in Almaty has begun proceedings in the case of former adviser to the head of JSC NC KazTransGas and activist Sanzhar Bokayev. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
At the very start of the hearings, Judge Zhanat Abenova sternly reminded those present of the rules of conduct in the courtroom and the responsibility for attempts to influence the decision. A live broadcast was organized for journalists and the public in a separate hall. The judge emphasized that any other filming or broadcasting of the process from phones is strictly prohibited.
Abenova also stated that any public assessments and comments in the media or social networks on the merits of the case would be regarded by the court as direct pressure on justice. Journalists and bloggers were urged not to spread provocations and to refrain from assessments in order not to form a biased opinion in society.
Violators of order and those who do not obey the orders face immediate removal from the hall and punishment for contempt of court.
Recall that former top manager and public figure Sanzhar Bokayev is suspected under articles on fraud, theft, money laundering, illegal logging and dissemination of knowingly false information (Articles 190, 188, 218, 340 and 274 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan).
The investigation also believes that Bokayev could have organized and financed illegal actions by involving people with low income. According to law enforcement, they were tasked with logging and theft for remuneration.