Judge in Shakhtinsk, central Kazakhstan, put an end to a noted and loudmouthed trial, which for more than 6 months had being carefully observed not only in our republic but from abroad also. After continued discussions, blow-ups and disputes, Magauya Judge Balapanov has passed a verdict of guilty to 8 medium-level workers for the September 2006 explosion in the Lenin colliery, were 41 people died and 12 got serious injuries.

Thus, five were convicted to colonies-settlements, and three of them received a suspended sentence. Several days before, the lawyers were quite sure that their clients would be released soon. Not only that they were convinced in absolute nonculpability, but also because the trial lasted so long that the period of detention was about to expire.

Lawyers undertook several attempts to discharge their clients from the prison, as they had found and announced a number of violations that took place during the investigation. According to the lawyers, the facts that came out have proved all charges to be baseless and inoperative.

Affected party itself made a stand for those who were on the dock – widows and the relatives of people died in the accident were boycotting the hearings in protest to the fact that eight workers are in charge of everything happened. They supposed, that in their absence the judge would not continue hearing. Despite all, the hearings were continued, which means that not many things could affect the result.

The convicted still don’t admit their guilt; their last hope is the appeal to a higher court authority.