They told Astana TV that the criminal case was initially opened under the article "Causing serious bodily harm resulting in death by negligence." Together with their lawyers, the family managed to have the charges reclassified to "Murder." Now, as the investigation nears its conclusion, the charges have been reverted to the original. The family of the deceased Nurzhan is convinced that it was a planned murder and demands a fair investigation into the case.
"On January 9, on his last working day, the prosecutor of the Aktobe region changed the article from 99 back to 106. We do not agree with this decision and demand the return of article 99. My brother has died, and we demand a fair investigation. This case should be considered under the article 'Murder.' Ayazhan Sydykova, sister of the deceased
The police commented on the reclassification of the criminal case.
"A procedural decision has been made to reclassify the criminal case from part 2 of article 99 of the RK Criminal Code 'Murder' to part 3 of article 106 'Causing serious harm to health resulting in death.' Currently, the criminal case has been completed and is being reviewed by the participants in the process. After the review, the criminal case will be forwarded to the court for a legal decision." Head of the Press Service of the Aktobe Regional Police Department
The tragedy occurred on September 2 of last year. A group of high school students from the village of Kopa in the Temir district brutally beat 14-year-old Nurzhan Sydyk. Due to the injuries sustained, the teenager died. The incident sparked widespread public outcry. Following this, the principal of the village school was dismissed, and the Attorney General of Kazakhstan took personal control of the investigation. There are 6 individuals suspected in the case.