Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Lepyokha stated that the dismissal of two tourist police officers after a viral video with an Egyptian blogger was due to a breach of professional ethics. According to him, the disciplinary commission deemed their behaviour unacceptable for officers who were on duty and in uniform.
WHY THE OFFICERS WERE DISMISSED
The decision to dismiss them was taken after the disciplinary commission reviewed the situation. Igor Lepyokha noted that the police officers were on duty at the time of the incident.
"Such behaviour by officers who are on duty and in uniform is unacceptable," he said at a briefing at the Government.
According to him, the commission found that the officers' actions constituted a breach of professional ethics and the requirements for police officers' conduct.
WHAT LEPYOKHA SAID ABOUT OFF-DUTY BEHAVIOUR
The Deputy Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs separately emphasised that the restrictions apply to officers' behaviour while performing their official duties. Off duty, according to him, a person may dance and relax as they see fit.
"If we are going to dance, bop, sing songs there — well, hardly," said Igor Lepyokha, responding to a question about the concept of a "police force with a human face".
He also stated that a police officer must above all take into account the needs of citizens and perform their work effectively.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE VIDEO
A clip featuring Egyptian travel blogger Ahmed Haggagovich and two tourist police officers in Astana had earlier circulated on social media. In the footage, the blogger dances with the police officers, and in one episode lifts one of the officers in his arms.
After the video circulated, the Astana City Police Department (DP) reported a breach of professional ethics norms and the requirements for police officer conduct. The department also stated that professional distance must be maintained.