Trial over terrorism suspects started in Atyrau

A trial started in Atyrau over criminals accused of terrorist attacks in October 2011, a representative of the press-service of Atyrau oblast court Boranbai Galiyev told Tengrinews.kz. "A trial over 42 people charged with terrorism started in Atyrau special interregional court. As legislated in the criminal procedure code of Kazakhstan, the trial is closed," the official said. According to the press-service, the trial will last for around one month. Besides, the hearings are held under high security. "As the building is located in the city center, the security is enhanced to ensure safety of people. They (the convicts) could try to take hostages; anything can happen. We don't know what they can come up with," the press-service added. Two blasts happened in Atyrau next to the oblast administration and city prosecutor's office on October 31. One of the bombs were set off by a suicide bomber. Police apprehended the criminal group suspected of organizing the blasts. A radical extremist group calling itself Soldiers of Khalifat claimed responsibility for the attack. Two criminal cases have been taken to court. One case was initiated against 42 people. Second case involves 5 people. "47 suspects are charged with crime against public security and public order: terrorism, propaganda of terrorism, creation and management of terrorist group and participation in its activities, financing of extremist or terrorist activities," Atyrau oblast prosecutor's assistant Lyazzat Nurmagambetova said earlier.