Conscript Hospitalized With Psychiatric Diagnosis

A new scandal has erupted in Mangystau involving military unit No. 99116 in the Beineu district, Orda.kz reports.

Nineteen-year-old conscript Nurgeldy Bayysh has been placed in a psychiatric facility. His mother, Zharkynay  Lukpanova, told themedia that she sent her son to the army five months ago in perfect health, and now doctors have diagnosed him with “multiple personality disorder.”

Our child was completely healthy before military service. Just a few months later, we are hearing this terrible diagnosis, Lukpanova said.

The Ministry of Defense responded by saying that media reports about mass suicidal tendencies in the unit are “greatly exaggerated.” According to the ministry, three conscripts showing signs of “demonstrative suicidal behavior” are currently under treatment and medical supervision.

The ministry also noted that such behavior is sometimes staged to avoid service:

Experience shows that such actions can sometimes be feigned for the purpose of evading military service. All circumstances are carefully analyzed by relevant specialists. Furthermore, allegations presented in individual publications, including reports of extortion, misconduct, and forced labor, are investigated by competent law enforcement agencies in strict compliance with legal requirements.

Last week, reports surfaced that an 18-year-old soldier in the Mangystau region had been placed in a psychiatric facility following a suicide attempt. His relatives say the incident was triggered by hazing and abuse at the same military unit in the Beineu district.

Original Author: Dinara Bekbolayeva