Trial procedure

Hearing of the criminal cases is held at the courtroom on the hearing date and is open to the public. It begins with the presiding judge asking the defendant identification such as name and date of birth. Then follow a statement of the fact of indictment and direct questioning of the defendant by the public prosecutor, cross-examination of the defendant by the defense attorney, examination of evidence, closing statement by the public prosecutor (seeking certain punishment), closing argument by defense attorney, and final statement by the defendant. After the conclusion of the aforementioned, the court closes hearings and, in general, renders a judgment two weeks after.