An investigation has been launched in Stepnogorsk after reports emerged online that teenagers had bullied younger children. The incident has sparked widespread public outcry, reports infohub.kz.
A post on the Telegram channel Halyqstan claims that parents of the affected children say two 16-year-old teenagers took them into bushes and forced them to kiss under threat of violence, while filming the incident and possibly live-streaming it. After the ordeal, the child became withdrawn, according to relatives. The parents have filed a police complaint demanding a thorough investigation.
The post also stresses the importance of establishing all circumstances: what exactly happened in the yard, whether the video was distributed or streamed on social media, who was involved, and whether the threats were real.
A NUR.KZ correspondent sent an inquiry to the press service of the Akmola Regional Police Department. The department confirmed that the incident has been registered with the Stepnogorsk police. The identities of the minors have been established. An investigation is currently underway to determine all circumstances and participants. Each individual's actions will be given a legal assessment in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan. If grounds are found, measures provided by law will be taken.