Terror suspects in Kazakhstan accused of plotting to blow up theater under construction
ASTANA. May 15 (Interfax) - A specialized inter-district criminal court in Astana started the trial of six people accused of preparing a terrorist attack on Wednesday.
Kairat Sadyrbekov, the father of one of the defendants, told journalists before the hearing that the people had been accused of plotting a terrorist attack at an opera and ballet theater under construction in Astana.
"The case says a plan of the theater being built on the left bank was found on them," Sadyrbekov said. "It is said also that assault rifles and air pistols were found," he said.
However, he claimed that the assault rifles in question were toys.
Sadyrbekov said all the defendants were friends, and his wife's brother is also among them.
However, he does not believe that his son could have planned anyone's murder. "Beating or killing someone - it just doesn't sound like him. He performed Salah. In our country, if a person performs Salah, this doesn't mean that he is a terrorist," Sadyrbekov said.
The six defendants have been accused of plotting a bomb attack and other actions using weapons and explosive devices aimed at disrupting public security and intimidating the population, setting up and participating in a terrorist group, stealing weapons and ammunition, and other serious crimes.
