Defendants in Russian siblings’ killing in Thailand plead guilty to all charges

Two Thai men accused of killing Diana and Roman Nazimov pleaded guilty to all charges at a hearing in Pattaya on October 20. Manager Online reported the change in their pleas, according to Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS.

The defendants are Thana, known as Pong, and Thongchai, known as Thong. At an earlier hearing, both admitted some charges but denied premeditated murder committed together. Pong also denied rape, while Thong had already pleaded guilty to that charge.

The prosecutor asked for proceedings to continue so that evidence could be presented to support the guilty pleas, the outlet reported. The request cited the severity of the charges, which carry potential penalties including death.

TASS also reported that the court allowed the victims’ mother, Zarina Nazimova, to join the proceedings as a co-plaintiff on the rape and aggravated murder charges. Prosecutors confirmed her status as a victim and agreed to her participation.