Damir Dosov Pleads Not Guilty to Killing Conscript

The Military Specialized Inter-District Criminal Court has questioned Lieutenant Damir Dosov, who stands accused of killing conscript soldier Marat Barkulov. Orda.kz was present at the proceedings.

The questioning faced several delays, with defense attorneys requesting three postponements to prepare for it. 

After initial delays to the afternoon of January 16 and then to January 17, lawyers sought a third delay on Friday morning. Eventually, the questioning proceeded as planned.

I do not admit my guilt in the crime under Article 99 - intentional homicide. I had no intention of killing Marat Barkulov. I was on good terms with Marat and with other servicemen. It was my carelessness. I did not know that the gun was loaded, said Damir Dosov.

Dosov claimed that the anti-aircraft brigade chief of staff, Bagdat Mailiyev, provided him with the weapon but gave no instructions on how to handle it properly. The lieutenant maintained that the shot occurred while he was simulating firing the weapon.

I ask forgiveness from the parents of the deceased. I express my condolences and remorse from the bottom of my heart, added Dosov.

The lieutenant described being shocked by the incident and attempting to help Barkulov.

Though he broke down in tears while testifying and pleading for forgiveness from the deceased soldier's parents, he regained his composure when responding to questions from the affected party's representatives.

Dosov denied allegations that he had pointed the weapon at Yerlan Baltabayev or other soldiers or that he had used threats and profanity in the tent.

When questioned about allowing other soldiers to use his phone, he dismissed it as "human error."

Asked whether regulations permit removing a weapon from its holster without cause, he responded:

The charges against Lieutenant Dosov fall under Part 1 of Article 99 of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code - homicide.

The incident occurred on September 7, 2024, during exercises at the Oimasha training ground in the Mangystau region, where investigators determined that improper weapons handling resulted in the fatal injury.

The proceedings are open to the public at the Military Specialized Inter-District Court for Criminal Cases.

Previously, the court heard testimony from witnesses and military personnel who were present in the tent when Barkulov was fatally wounded.

Orda.kz will continue following the case.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya