The specialized interdistrict court of Astana sentenced journalist Daniyar Adilbekov to 4.5 years of imprisonment. The judge found Adilbekov guilty under the articles "Apparently false statement" (Part 3 of Article 419) and "Apparently disseminating false information" (Part 2 of Article 274). He will serve his sentence in a medium-security institution.

The court found the second accused Yerlan Saudegerov guilty under the articles "Criminal organization" (Article 28, Part 3) and "Pretending to make a false statement" (Article 419, Part 3) and sentenced him to three years' probation. He will be on probation.

The defendants do not agree to the charges against them.

Daniyar Adilbekov was arrested on March 27. The term of detention was later extended. The trial began in August.

It is said that the criminal case was prompted by the journalist's post on the Telegram channel. In it, it is stated that the Vitol company, which is engaged in the wholesale sale of oil, is using the administrative mechanisms of the Vice Minister of Energy Yerlan Akkenzhenov. The official himself denies this.

Adilbekov was accused of "spreading false information" for publishing information about Astana Airport Board Chairman Yusuf Aljavder and El Media editor-in-chief Gulzhan Yergalieva on the Telegram channel.

The defense argued that there were procedural violations during the investigation and trial, and noted that there was no evidence to prove the guilt of the accused.