MOSCOW, August 30 - RAPSI. The Justice Ministry's specialists will not be able to carry out a court-ordered in connection with the case against MMA champion Rasul Mirzayev because the issues raised by the court are not within their field of competence, the ministry's press service told RIA Novosti on Thursday.
Mirzayev was initially charged with intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm resulting in the death of 19-year-old student Ivan Agafonov. The student was taken to hospital, where he died several days later without regaining consciousness. The defense has insisted on reclassifying the charges against the martial artist, asserting that Agafonov died as a result of hitting the ground, as opposed to Mirzayev's blow.
The Moscow Zamoskvoretsky District Court ordered a new complex expert analysis to be held in the case to try to establish whether Agafonov's death was a direct consequence or Mirzayev's punch, or a result of hitting his head on the asphalt.
The court has upheld the motion filed by the victim's parents, as they are dissatisfied with the previous expert analysis which concluded that their son died from hitting his head.
The prosecutor argued that another examination should be held, while the defense said that a repeat examination would only prolong the case.
Previously, four examinations were held as part of the investigation. But the judge found that it was necessary to have experts with specialized knowledge in physics and maths involved so as to reflect the broad picture of the accident.
"A report is being prepared on the inability to provide any conclusions as the questions set go beyond the competence of the Justice Ministry forensic experts," the press service reported.
Prior to his arrest, Mirzayev had been widely regarded as a promising MMA fighter. He was undefeated in the ring and two of his five victories were won by knockout punches. On August 16, 2011, between the incident and his arrest, Mirzayev made headlines throughout the MMA world for having signed a professional multi-fight contract with sponsor Bellator Fighting Championships.