7 September saw the first court hearing in Shchuchinsk in the case of the death of Assem Shabelskaya. The defendant, Almaz Madiev, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him, although he did not deny that he struck her.
The next hearing is scheduled for 15 September at 10:00.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE HEARING
The editorial team of FBRK attended the hearing in person. The prosecutor read out the charge: according to the prosecution's version of events, on the night of 8–9 June 2026, a conflict arose between Madiev and Shabelskaya in an apartment he had rented in Shchuchinsk, motivated by jealousy.
Madiev, while intoxicated, struck her multiple times with his fists to the head and face, as well as landing three blows to the abdominal area "while knowing full well that vital organs are located there", according to the charge.
Madiev called an ambulance at 3:23 am. Assem was taken to hospital at 3:45 am, and at 4:20 am she died without regaining consciousness.
OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS
According to the forensic medical examination report of 15 June 2026, the cause of death was haemorrhagic shock due to a double rupture of the liver. Approximately 2000 ml of free blood was found in the abdominal cavity. In addition, a fracture of the fifth rib on the right side and multiple bruises across the body were identified.
Madiev has been charged under Part 3 of Article 106 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm resulting in death through negligence"). According to the prosecution's version, the intent was to cause harm to health, not to take life.
THE DEFENDANT'S POSITION
Madiev offered his apologies to Assem's family and loved ones, but did not plead guilty to the charge under Part 3 of Article 106 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He does not deny that he struck her, but insists that he had no intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The defendant promised to set out his position and the circumstances of the incident when giving his testimony, while declining to be photographed or filmed in the courtroom.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE VICTIM'S SIDE
The victim in the case has been named as the deceased's sister, Bakhyt Suyundikova. She disagrees with the current legal classification and insists that it be reclassified to a murder charge. In compensation, Bakhyt is seeking 50 million tenge in moral damages and approximately 1.9 million tenge to cover material costs and legal representation expenses.
CONTEXT
For those who need reminding, Assem Shabelskaya died in hospital on the night of 8–9 June 2026 after meeting Almaz Madiev – the man she had been in a relationship with for around a year and a half. They met at work at the Shchuchinsky sanatorium.
According to the deceased's relatives, several months before the tragedy Madiev attacked Assem with a hammer on the grounds of the sanatorium – that incident ended in reconciliation at an administrative court, with no serious punishment following.
The FBRK editorial team has been following this case since Assem's death: we conducted our own investigation in Shchuchinsk and published a detailed report on the pressure placed on the deceased's family.
The defence's position has not been represented in FBRK's materials – the editorial team previously attempted to make contact with the defendant's relatives, but received no response.
We remain ready to hear the other side.
