Kazakh prosecutor seeks life sentence for alleged border guard killer
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 7 December 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kazakh prosecutor seeks life sentence for alleged border guard killer, 7 December 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/50cb3abb22.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
December 07, 2012
Defendant Vladislav Chelakh seen through the glass-enclosed dock in a screen grab from the start of the trial on November 19.
TALDYQORGHAN, Kazakhstan – A prosecutor in Kazakhstan's southeastern city of Taldyqorghan is demanding a life sentence for Vladislav Chelakh, a young border guard accused of killing 15 people.
Prosecutor Aleksandr Kiriyak made the request in court on December 7.
The 20-year-old Chelakh is on trial for the deaths of 14 fellow border guards and a forest ranger in a remote outpost near the Kazakh-Chinese border.
In May, the 15 men were found dead at the outpost, which was destroyed by fire.
After he was found days later, Chelakh initially admitted to killing all 15 people.
He later recanted, saying his confession was obtained under pressure and claiming the post was attacked.
On December 7, Chelakh and his lawyers requested a break in the trial, which began on November 19, saying they need time to prepare his testimony.
The trial was adjourned until December 10.
Based on reporting by KazTAG and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
