Regional Deputy Files Assault Charges Against Activist: Court Hands Down Verdict

A city court has reviewed the criminal case against Sandugash Kukenova, who was accused of assault by regional maslikhat deputy Syrymbek Sarsenbayev, reports an Orda correspondent.

Kukenova had criticized the deputy's Facebook post about a colleague saving Qulsary.

Later, Kukenova suggested meeting the deputy to discuss disagreements, but Syrymbek disliked the activist's questions. Kukenova, trying to stop him from leaving, tore off his badge. The deputy contacted the police.

The case was initiated under Article 109, Part 1 of the Criminal Code - "Assault and Battery."

The court established that during the meeting, Sandugash Kukenova, motivated by hooliganism, prevented the deputy from leaving the office and later repeatedly pushed and hit him in the corridor.

Witnesses, forensic examination results, and video footage confirmed the defendant's guilt.

The prosecutor requested a fine of 200 MCI.

Kukenova denied guilt and insisted on acquittal:

According to Article 109-1, Part 2, Paragraph 5 of the Criminal Code, punishments include fines from 100 to 200 MCI, correctional work of the same amount, community service from 100 to 200 hours, or arrest from 30 to 50 days, the court stated.

The court found the activist guilty and imposed a fine of 100 MCI.

When determining the sentence, the judge considered the defendant's young children.

No aggravating circumstances were found.

I'm accused of assault, but it didn't happen. There wasn't even grounds for criminal charges. If my guilt were really proven, let them imprison me, but I know this won't happen because I'm innocent. The court ignored my position and didn't let me speak fully. Everyone only listened to the deputy, his words were taken as truth, while my arguments were simply ignored, Sandugash Kukenova commented to Orda.

She intends to seek justice.

I hope my arguments will be heard in the future, and I can prove my innocence. I'll see this through, the activist concluded.

Judge Zhumagali Tashimov prohibited photo and video recording of the proceedings at the deputy's request, although other participants didn't object.

Original Author: Daniel Arturov