In the Kostanay region, an imam, Bakhytbek Tazhimbet, who drove drunk near a nightclub, has been dismissed.
According to ORDA, the imam was detained at night in the settlement of Burabay near the club "Region". He was found drunk behind the wheel of a Highlander car.
In court, Tazhimbet did not admit his guilt, claiming that he "had only drunk kumis", not alcohol. However, the results of the examination showed that he was under the influence of alcohol.
As a result, by a court decision, Bakhytbek Tazhimbet will spend 15 days behind bars. At the same time, he has been stripped of his driving licence for 7 years.
In turn, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan commented on the scandal involving the imam.
"People who grossly violate the norms of the law and the ethics of a religious figure have no moral right to work in the religious sphere within the system of governance. Due to inappropriate behaviour, Bakhytbek Tazhimbetov has been dismissed from the post of chief imam of the Kostanay region. The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan regards what happened with deep regret and asks for forgiveness from the Muslim community of the country," stated the muftiate.