Hospital-bound suspect confronted by Ruslan Berdenov
The trial for the attempted murder of Ruslan Berdenov, deputy akim of Shymkent, is currently underway. The prosecutor has requested an 11-year prison sentence for the accused, Yernar Zhiembay, who shot Berdenov multiple times.
The shooting incident occurred near the Shymkent akimat building on April 21, 2025. Berdenov, who participated in the final court hearing online from the hospital, described severe injuries including 61 shot pellets still in his body, partial removal of a lung, and liver surgery.
Throughout the trial, Berdenov expressed that there had been no disputes or conflicts with Zhiembay before the attack; in fact, Zhiembay had once praised Berdenov and his family. The shooting involved at least five shots fired at Berdenov, with one shot narrowly missing his head as he ducked. Berdenov sustained a gunshot wound and was urgently hospitalized.
The prosecution claimed full proof of guilt, while the defense argued for a non-custodial sentence. Zhiembay partially admitted guilt but denied intent to kill, claiming he only intended to frighten Berdenov. Court witnesses recounted threats made by the accused against Berdenov, including statements like "I'll kill you anyway" and declarations of intent to harm or kill.
Judge Abinur Karabayev, who faced a separate ethical probe after sticking his tongue out at journalists during a hearing in this case, is overseeing the trial. Berdenov showed his X-ray images during the proceedings to illustrate the extent of his injuries.
Of note, Berdenov claimed that his father threatened to end the career of his lawyer. The suspect was arrested and placed in a temporary detention facility. The wife of the suspect spoke out about the incident, but there is no information indicating that the accused or others issued any formal apologies during the trial.
Ruslan Berdenov made his first statement after being discharged from the hospital, stating that it's not honorable to drag his wife and children into the case. Another fake news story about Berdenov was denied. The primary focus appears to have been on the facts of the shooting, legal arguments about intent, sentencing requests, and Berdenov’s testimony from his hospital bed.
As the trial continues, the court will decide on the fate of Yernar Zhiembay and the future of Ruslan Berdenov. The public awaits the verdict with bated breath.
[1] [News Source 1] [2] [News Source 2] [3] [News Source 3] [4] [News Source 4] [5] [News Source 5]
Politics and general-news outlets have been closely following the trial of Yernar Zhiembay, accused of attempting to murder Ruslan Berdenov, the deputy akim of Shymkent. Crime-and-justice reports detail the shooting incident near the Shymkent akimat building, Berdenov's severe injuries, and the court's considerations of sentencing, with the prosecutor requesting an 11-year prison sentence.
