An MMA coach in the city of Qonaev has been accused of sexually molesting underage female students. The family of the detained man and his defense categorically deny the accusations, while police have commented on the criminal case, reports infohub.kz.
According to Astana.tv, the coach is accused of molesting several underage female students. Some parents claim the illegal acts allegedly took place at a gym in Qonaev.
According to the parents of four minors, the girls were between 10 and 13 years old at the time of the alleged events. The mothers claim the illegal acts allegedly occurred at the gym, in a car, and other places. They demand an objective investigation and insist on bringing the man to criminal responsibility.
"Our underage children, whom we entrusted to the coach, were subjected to sexual molestation. These are not just words, this is a terrible reality that destroyed their childhood and their faith in the future. For several months, confrontations and psychological examinations were conducted with the children," the parents say.
The other side has a different version of events. The wife of the detained man, who works as an administrator at the same gym, claims her husband is innocent. According to her, the statements could have resulted from a conflict over discipline. She says the girls were suspended from training and not allowed to compete.
"My husband trains many children, has raised a huge number of world and Asian champions, and at that time was supposed to be preparing them for international competitions. But those girls who filed the statement constantly laughed in the gym, came late, and sometimes skipped training altogether; my husband told them not to come for a week. We assume that is why they took offense," said Altynai Kalepova.
According to Altynai Kalepova, her husband had already been detained for 72 hours several times, but then released. She claims this happened due to a lack of sufficient grounds for further detention. Now the situation has changed. On October 6, a court authorized the man's arrest for two months. The detainee's lawyers insist on his release. In their opinion, the man's actions lack the elements of a crime. The defense also believes that if there were evidence of guilt, the coach would have been held accountable earlier.
Police said that necessary investigative actions are ongoing in the criminal case.
"As part of the criminal case, all necessary investigative actions are being conducted aimed at a comprehensive, complete, and objective establishment of the circumstances of the incident. On October 6, the suspect was taken into custody for 2 months by court sanction. Other information, in accordance with Article 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is not subject to disclosure," commented Yernar Saidildin, official representative of the Police Department of Almaty Region.
Now the final assessment of the circumstances of the case will be given by the investigation and the court. Meanwhile, both sides are awaiting the completion of the pre-trial investigation.