The final court hearing in the case concerning the death of Nurai Serikbai was marked by tension and strong emotions. Both sides, as well as journalists and defense lawyers, had been eagerly awaiting the court’s decision in the high-profile case. Notably, several social media pages had published the alleged verdict even before the hearing began.
The court found Sherkhan Aimakhan guilty under three articles of the Criminal Code.
SAMIDIN TEMIRALIEV, PRESIDING JUDGE OF THE SPECIALIZED INTERDISTRICT COURT FOR CRIMINAL CASES OF SHYMKENT:
“Sherkhan Almakhanovich Aimakhan is found guilty of criminal offenses provided for under Part 1 of Article 125-1, Article 115-1, and Subparagraph 5 of Part 2 of Article 99 of the Criminal Code. He is sentenced to two years of imprisonment under Part 1 of Article 125-1, 200 hours of community service under Article 115-1, and life imprisonment under Subparagraph 5 of Part 2 of Article 99.”
The defense, however, said it disagreed with the verdict. According to the lawyer, the legal assessment of Sherkhan Aimakhan’s actions was excessively severe. The defense therefore intends to appeal the decision.
ESBOLAT KURMANBAYEV, SHERKHAN AIMAKHAN’S LAWYER:
“Under Article 115-1, after October 5 he attempted to restore the relationship. We disagree with Subparagraph 5 of Part 2 of Article 99. In my opinion, the offense should have been qualified under Part 1 of Article 99, and the sentence should have been imposed under that provision.”
For Nurai Serikbai’s family, the day was another painful reminder of their irreparable loss. The grief of the mother who lost her daughter deeply affected everyone in the courtroom.
AIGUL SAGIMBEKOVA, NURAI SERIKBAI’S MOTHER:
“He should never be released. I do not know of any other punishment, but even this punishment is not enough. Because he will live…”
For eight months, Nurai’s parents and relatives have sought what they consider justice. They emphasized that financial compensation is not their primary concern. What matters most to them is a life sentence for the person found guilty.
SULTAN SERIKBAI, NURAI SERIKBAI’S BROTHER:
“Yes, we agree. Everything is correct. This is what we have been working toward for eight months. This was our goal. We did not seek a life sentence without reason. We provided all the necessary evidence from a legal standpoint. The court reviewed everything in detail. The case was brought under three articles — 125, 115 and Part 2 of Article 99. Part 2 of Article 99 provides for either 25 years’ imprisonment or life imprisonment. The court made its decision accordingly. We are satisfied. But this is not the end, because there is still an appeal and further court proceedings may follow.”
“Yes, we will go all the way. But financial compensation is not particularly important to us. The most important thing is life imprisonment. Because, as I said, a human life cannot be measured in money.”
Ayan Khan Omarov, the lawyer representing Nurai Serikbai’s family, considers the presiding judge’s decision fair. At the same time, he stressed that the legal process is not yet over and may continue in higher courts.
AYAN KHAN OMAROV, LAWYER FOR NURAI SERIKBAI’S FAMILY:
“At present, we fully agree with the verdict. I believe that the presiding judge, Temiraliev, considered the case objectively, fully and comprehensively and, guided by his conscience and inner conviction, delivered a fair verdict. However, the verdict has not yet entered into legal force. There is a 15-day period during which the convicted person, Sherkhan Aimakhan, or his lawyers have the right to file an appeal. I will continue working on this case to the very end. I will also participate in the appeal proceedings. I will make every effort to ensure that justice is ultimately served.”
The verdict will enter into legal force after 15 days if no appeal is filed.