The official history of the Karaganda Regional Court dates back to July 29, 1936. Pursuant to the Resolution of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee of March 10, 1932, six regions were established within the republic. The Karaganda Region was subsequently divided into two independent entities: North Kazakhstan Region with its center in Petropavlovsk, and Karaganda Region with its center in Karaganda. This marks the beginning of the regional court's history.

Today, the Karaganda Regional Court celebrates its 90th anniversary and remains rightfully recognized as one of the country's leading training grounds for judicial personnel.

Many residents of the region recall with particular pride the names of judges who, at various times, served in this court and were later appointed to the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

We learned about how the judicial system is developing in one of the country's largest industrial regions, what role modern digital technologies play in it, and what challenges the servants of Themis face on their path to delivering just and lawful decisions from Yerden ARIPOV, Chairman of the Karaganda Regional Court, holder of the Order of Kurmet (Honour) and the highest award of the judicial system – the Ush Bi (Three Biys) badge.

– Yerden Rauanovich, on the eve of the Karaganda Regional Court's anniversary, let us begin our conversation with its history. Where did it all start?

– As they say, without the past there is neither present nor future. So it is logical to begin with history. According to official records, until 1936, the center of Karaganda Region was the city of Petropavlovsk. On July 29, 1936, the regional center was moved from Petropavlovsk to Karaganda, where the courts were also concentrated. Thus, this year marks the 90th anniversary of the Karaganda Regional Court.

The first Chairman of the Karaganda Regional Court was a patriot of our people – Ilya Kozhamuratov. In 1938, he fell victim to repression and was unjustly convicted. However, in 1957, justice prevailed, and he was fully rehabilitated.

Today, the region has 27 courts in operation, including regional, district, city, and specialized courts. Each serves to uphold the rule of law and the triumph of judicial justice.

It should be particularly noted that in Kazakhstan's judicial system, regional courts and those equivalent to them play an exceptional role as appellate instances for criminal, civil, and administrative cases. They not only hear complex categories of cases but also shape judicial practice. For instance, judges of the criminal division hear cases involving the most serious offenses, corruption crimes, major economic violations, as well as cases that attract significant public attention. However, their primary workload involves reviewing the legality and validity of verdicts handed down by district and equivalent courts in appellate proceedings.

– What types of crimes are prevalent in your region, and what do you attribute them to?

– A significant portion of criminal cases is connected to thefts at industrial enterprises, severe consequences of workplace safety violations, as well as environmental offenses. Such cases require judges not only to possess deep knowledge of criminal and criminal procedure law but also to understand technological processes, economics, and the specifics of the mining industry.

In recent years, the criminal division has been actively introducing new approaches within the framework of humanization and digitalization of justice, widely applying alternative non-custodial sentences when this does not conflict with public safety interests. These innovations are being implemented thanks to the dedicated work of the judges under the leadership of the division's chairman, Rashid Nurmagambetov.

The civil division, headed by Galym Kulekeyev, employs nineteen judges. They handle a broad range of cases – from housing, inheritance, and family disputes to complex commercial cases involving large businesses. When reviewing appellate appeals against decisions of lower courts, the division ensures uniformity of judicial practice across the entire region. Its rulings serve as guidance for district and city courts, contributing to stable law enforcement practice.

– Yerden Rauanovich, having served with honour in the judiciary for 35 years, and being one of those who pioneered the introduction of the Unified Automated Information and Analytical System of the Judicial Bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the conduct of court proceedings via videoconferencing, how would you assess the regional court's performance in terms of its material and technical infrastructure?

– The regional court building was constructed to a modern design and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. It houses a library, a museum, and a training center. Every room is fitted with the necessary technical equipment.

Karaganda Region ranks fourth among Kazakhstan's major regions and is one of the country's leading industrial hubs. This directly affects the volume of cases coming to the region's courts. In the first quarter of this year, the number of cases and materials received increased by 10.7 percent, while the number of completed cases and materials rose from 29,434 to 31,419 – a 6.4 percent increase.

The museum tells the story of the history and modernity of Kazakhstan's judicial system. It features original archival documents from the 1940s, an antique judge's chair from the Osakarovsky District Court, a bailiff's uniform from the 1970s, a typewriter from the Bukhar-Zhyrau District Court, and many other valuable exhibits. A separate display is dedicated to the current activities of the judicial system.

The museum and library are open to all visitors. Educational events, thematic lectures, and meetings are regularly held there. The library boasts a rich collection, systematically organized by legal branches. The training center serves as an intellectual platform for improving the qualifications of judges and court staff, as well as for exchanging practical experience. Special emphasis is placed on mentoring and internship programs.

For newly appointed judges and court staff, orientation sessions are conducted on the organization of judicial activities, requirements of professional ethics, record-keeping, and interaction with case participants. The training center has signed memoranda of cooperation with leading universities in Kazakhstan. This enables both judges and staff preparing for the qualification exam for a judicial post to receive training. Court staff from remote districts can participate in sessions via videoconferencing.

– In recent years, Kazakhstan's courts have undergone major changes. Which innovation do you consider the most significant for the entire judicial system?

– Many reforms are being implemented in the judicial system. Among them, I would particularly highlight the establishment of the administrative justice system, which has now been in place for five years. This is a robust system protecting the interests of citizens and legal entities and contributing to the building of a state that "hears the voice of the people."

Another important innovation I would mention is territorial jurisdiction. It significantly simplifies citizens' access to justice and prevents corruption risks. The creation of independent cassation courts has also been a major step. They ensure the restoration of legality and strengthen the rule of law.

Extensive work is being carried out on court digitalization. Elements of artificial intelligence and robotization have been introduced. For example, AI accelerates case processing, while robotization eliminates human error. These programs save time for citizens. A judicial act prepared by a robot in a few minutes is then reviewed and approved by a judge.

One of the latest achievements is the Smart Bridge program. It allows citizens to review similar judicial decisions and assess the prospects of their own case, thereby reducing the number of unfounded court appeals.

– This year, the Union of Judges of Kazakhstan is celebrating its 30th anniversary. What can you say about the work of the regional branch in this regard?

– The Karaganda branch of the Union of Judges of the Republic of Kazakhstan is headed by an experienced judge, Yelik Mukhamedin. Judges from the region actively participate in discussions of judicial reforms, draft legislation, the development of judicial ethics standards, and the promotion of the state language. The branch regularly holds seminars for young judges together with veterans and council members. Through the Mercy Day project, assistance is provided to socially vulnerable groups. On Children's Day, drawing contests and relay races are organized for orphanage residents. Every year on June 24, the branch holds cultural events to mark the professional holiday – Day of the Judge and Judicial System Employee. A video feature entitled "Call of the Heart" was also created and published on social media. Sports competitions among judges and staff have become a tradition. In 2023, at the 10th Spartakiad of the Union of Judges, our team took first place in football.

– My next question concerns public opinion. Do you believe that our citizens have developed a stable trust in the courts, or does this issue still require discussion?

– As you know, in any court proceeding there are always two sides. If one wins, the other loses. Those who lose often do not want to admit their mistakes and instead blame the court. That is why it is essential, first and foremost, to raise the legal culture and legal literacy of the population and to foster respect for the law. In my view, citizens' trust is undermined by the non-enforcement of judicial decisions. If people respect the law, violations will decrease. We should not forget: where there is order, there is safety; where there is law, there is justice.

The folk sage Aiteke Bi once said: "There is a peak called Justice, and it is in it that Truth resides. A people awaiting justice may be disappointed even by ill-considered words!"

Serving justice places enormous responsibility on the judicial community, and the path of truth is, as we all know, always arduous. When administering justice, judges are subject only to the Constitution and the law, guided by their inner conviction. As the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has said: "A fair court is the pillar of the state." For the judicial branch to function impeccably, the judicial community requires boundless responsibility, honesty, and patience on this difficult journey.

– How does feedback between the courts and society operate in your region?

– Court proceedings are conducted openly and transparently. For high-profile and socially significant cases, press releases and information notes are published, explaining the specific legal provisions and the circumstances underlying the decisions rendered. This helps society correctly understand judicial acts and prevents the distortion of information.

Through various publications and explanatory materials, citizens are provided with information on the procedure for applying to court, the rights and obligations of case participants, and the mechanisms for protecting violated rights. Such measures contribute to establishing effective feedback between the courts and society.

This year is a particularly significant one for the judicial community: the 30th anniversary of the Union of Judges of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the 90th anniversary of the Karaganda Regional Court, the 5th anniversary of the administrative justice system, and the professional holiday – the Day of the Judge and Judicial System Employee, traditionally celebrated on June 24.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to wholeheartedly congratulate my colleagues, veterans of the judicial system, and all court staff on these landmark occasions! I wish you patience and success in your difficult and responsible work of upholding the rule of law and the triumph of justice.

– Thank you very much for your time and for sharing your thoughts!

Interviewed by
Tuimegul SMAGULKYZY,
Journalist