No comments allowed

Temirzhan Kudabayev, judge of Bostandyk District Court No. 2,  forbade commenting on the gang rape case involving the ex-prosecutor and the banker in the media, the victim's lawyer Zhanna Urazbakhova told KazTAG news agency. The ruling has not yet been officially issued, but the judge has already orally banned commenting on the case.

Commentary of "Adil Soz":

Comitting such crimes as rape always has a great resonance, especially if officials are involved. So, Information about the pre-trial investigation and the trial should be open to the public, but the personal data of the victim and suspects  should be closed. The court may schedule a closed hearing to ensure that. The court's ban to comment on such a high-profile case, does not comply with the law and contradicts the concept of a “hearing state” put forward by President Tokayev.

Such restrictions on publicity contribute to  doubts that a fair and lawful court decision will be made in this case, and contribute to legal nihilism of  citizens.