Initially, a criminal case was opened against the suspect in the beating of an ambulance driver on the grounds of causing moderate bodily harm from hooligan motives.
However, as reported by zakon.kz citing the police department of the Karaganda region, a forensic medical examination established that the victim's bodily injuries fall into the category of minor severity. In connection with this, the suspect's actions were reclassified simply as hooliganism.
"On 21 February, the criminal case and the indictment were sent to the prosecutor, who, after verifying the legality of the decision, referred the suspect to court", the regional police department explained.
For context, a video previously appeared on social media showing an unknown man aggressively expressing displeasure at how the ambulance driver had parked in the courtyard, and then striking him several times.
As a result of the beating, the driver was hospitalised with a concussion, a broken nasal bridge, a closed rib fracture, and a haematoma on his eye. A criminal case was promptly opened. Law enforcement officers identified the suspect. He turned out to be 36-year-old Nurbolat Nurymovich Dakebayev.
Later, it was reported that Dakebayev had been arrested; he was detained at one of the winter quarters in the Karkaraly District, 200 km from the regional centre.
On the same day, a video message spread online in which Dakebayev apologised for the brutal beating of the ambulance driver.
Later, the beaten ambulance driver posted a video in which he stated that he forgives his assailant and asked for the situation to be treated with understanding.