Ensuring transparency in open court proceedings for cases with significant public resonance is one of the important components of upholding fundamental human rights and freedoms.
One such high-profile case is the trial concerning the brutal murder of Saltanat Nukenova, in which Kuandyk Bishimbaev is a suspect. Journalists (numbering at least 30 individuals) who attended the preliminary hearings on March 11 and 12 at the specialised inter-district criminal court in Astana, encountered difficulties in covering the case. The small size of the courtroom prevented photo and video operators from gaining access, even for short periods and on a rotational basis to the courtroom. Media outlets also complained about the poor sound quality in the room where the proceedings were broadcast.
The main trial for the case began on March 27. Given the enormous public interest in this process, the Supreme Court made every effort to create conditions for journalists covering the hearings. As a result, media operators were allowed to be present in the courtroom, and journalists were provided the opportunity to watch the proceedings via live broadcast. Moreover, an online broadcast was organised, which can be viewed by anyone interested. All of this demonstrates the court's commitment to conducting an objective and impartial open judicial process, ensuring transparency, and public oversight of justice.
The International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech «Adil Soz» fully supports this approach to openness and transparency in judicial proceedings, cooperation with the media, and strict adherence to all democratic principles.
Adil Soz is ready to help disseminate this experience to the work of other Kazakhstani courts and together with the Supreme Court, continue efforts to improve instructions for working with the media in covering judicial proceedings and training representatives of the judiciary.
We call for further cooperation and dialogue between the judicial system and representatives of the public, including the mass media, to ensure transparency and enhance trust in decision-making processes.
