Soldier Loses an Eye After Oath Ceremony in the Jambyl Region

A 24-year-old contract soldier, Zhaksylyk Moldakul, lost an eye during the oath-taking ceremony in the Jambyl region. According to the serviceman himself, he smashed a bottle over his head on orders from his superiors, Orda.kz reports.

During the ceremonial induction into the mountain ranger regiment, servicemen were made to put on a “show” — staged fights, jumping through fire, and smashing bottles over soldiers’ heads. Zhaksylyk was among the participants. This was reported by Channel 31.

After the blow, he became disoriented, and it later became clear that the injury to his eye was so severe that doctors had to stitch it closed.

Relatives of the contract soldier claim the incident is now being covered up.

A video from the ceremony was published by the Telegram channel Stan.kz.

Zhansaya Sydykova, deputy chief physician of the Jambyl Ophthalmology Center, explained that doctors tried to save the eye as an organ, piecing together the internal membranes that had come out. They are now trying to prevent complications in the second eye.

The unit’s leadership insists it is too early to talk about disability.

The medical examination has not yet been conducted. Treatment is ongoing. We will provide the serviceman with all necessary assistance, promised Bauyrzhan Yesaly, commander of unit 91/678.

A relative of the injured soldier, Tansholpan Ainabek, noted that he never signed anything agreeing to voluntarily participate in the stunt. Gulzira Baikonysova, Zhaksylyk’s mother, is asking the Ministry of Defense for help.

She says her son served four years under contract and found a job after completing his military service.

I am a single mother. My child is the one who supports me. He is not married, he is single. What future does he have now? I don’t know what work he will be able to do anymore. 

Earlier, we reported on another incident involving 19-year-old conscript Nurzhigit Abdilpatta. He fell into a coma after being struck by a sergeant during formation in the Jambyl region. His relatives insist that this blow triggered a chain of complications.

The soldier is in critical condition and on a ventilator. A case has been opened against the sergeant for abuse of authority.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov