A trial begins on December 27 in Kazakhstan of a man suspected of beating and robbing a journalist in the northwestern city of Aqtobe.
The journalist died later in hospital.
Mirbolat Sultanov was apprehended in August, two days after a correspondent for the independent "Svoboda Slova" (Freedom of Speech) newspaper, Igor Larra, was severely beaten by several men.
Larra died in hospital in October of complications from gallbladder surgery.
His wife insists his death was directly linked to his beating.
Larra's relatives and colleagues say they believe the attack was connected to his professional activities.
Police say the incident was a robbery, adding that Larra was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Human Rights Watch urged Kazakh officials in August to thoroughly investigate the incident.
-- RFE/RL's Kazakh Service
The journalist died later in hospital.
Mirbolat Sultanov was apprehended in August, two days after a correspondent for the independent "Svoboda Slova" (Freedom of Speech) newspaper, Igor Larra, was severely beaten by several men.
Larra died in hospital in October of complications from gallbladder surgery.
His wife insists his death was directly linked to his beating.
Larra's relatives and colleagues say they believe the attack was connected to his professional activities.
Police say the incident was a robbery, adding that Larra was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Human Rights Watch urged Kazakh officials in August to thoroughly investigate the incident.
-- RFE/RL's Kazakh Service
