The Supreme Court of Bashkortostan has reduced the prison term for 23 year old Mars Guzayarov from 13 years to 11 years after he drove a car while intoxicated and killed four girls, one of them a minor. The announcement came through the Telegram channel of the joint press service for the republican courts, signaling a significant shift in how the case is publicly understood and recorded by regional judicial authorities.
On appeal, the regional appellate court overturned the earlier ruling issued by the interregional court and adjusted Guzayarov’s sentence to 11 years in a general regime colony. The appellate board reaffirmed the remainder of the Chekmagushevsky interregional court decision, ensuring that the core elements of the punishment structure remained intact while changing the term length. The lawyer for Guzayarov described the development as a substantial legal victory for his client, though it did not fully absolve him of responsibility for the deaths that occurred in the incident. The court documented that Guzayarov would be required to serve his time under standard corrective supervision conditions within a general penal setting, rather than any lighter arrangement that might have allowed for alternative regimes or early release considerations. [citation]
The fatal crash occurred in the village of Bakaly in July 2022. While Guzayarov was turning left, his vehicle veered into oncoming traffic and the roadside where the victims were located. Four young women were struck and killed instantly, including a minor. The incident drew a wave of attention from local residents and regional media, highlighting the tragic consequences of impaired driving and the ongoing debate over sentencing for excessive alcohol consumption in traffic violations. The agency news agency Tass reported on the immediate impacts and the identification of the victims, underscoring the human cost behind the legal proceedings. [citation]
Earlier reporting noted that the accident took place not far from Chelyabinsk, a region already noted for traffic incidents that prompt persistent discussions about road safety, law enforcement, and judicial responses to fatal crashes. Authorities and witnesses described the scene as chaotic and heartrending, with the community seeking clarity on how such decisions are made within the courts and what standards guide the adjustment of penalties in cases that involve multiple fatalities. The case has continued to serve as a focal point for discussions about accountability, public safety obligations, and the role of appellate review in ensuring that sentences reflect both the severity of the underlying harm and the individual circumstances of the accused. [citation]
As the legal process advances, commentators emphasize that the shift from a longer term to a shorter one on appeal reflects a complex balancing act. The courts must weigh factors such as the level of intoxication, the degree of vehicular control, and the resulting harm against principles of justice, deterrence, and proportionality. While the appellate decision reduces Guzayarov’s time behind bars, it does not negate the gravity of the outcomes. Community members and families affected by the tragedy continue to seek reassurance that the justice system holds offenders accountable while also offering space for reflection on road safety reforms and preventive measures. [citation]
Observers point to the broader implications for traffic safety policy in the region, including ongoing discussions about penalties for impaired driving, the effectiveness of rehabilitation options within the general correctional system, and the potential for later review of sentences if new evidence or arguments arise. The case remains a reference point in debates over how courts calibrate punishment in cases where multiple lives are lost due to a single act. Law professionals remind the public that appellate courts can modify sentences when warranted by legal standards while preserving the core structure of prior rulings. [citation]