Ilya Zelendinov, a Russian surgeon suspected of beating a patient to death, said he regretted the incident and has paid the funeral costs to the relatives of the deceased, the RIA Novosti news agency reported Monday, citing Zelendinov's lawyer.
“He is so sorry — I tell you honestly, not as a lawyer. He is so truly sorry and can't understand how this could have happened,” lawyer Sergei Krivorodko was quoted by RIA Novosti as saying.
According to Krivorodko, Zelendinov paid the relatives of the deceased more than 90,000 rubles ($1,200), covering the funeral costs.
Later on Monday, Zelendinov was detained, the TASS news agency reported, citing Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin.
According to the investigation, on Dec. 29 the doctor in Russia's southern city of Belgorod hit 57-year old patient Yevgeny Vakhtin in the face after he kicked a nurse during a procedure, the RBC newspaper reported Monday.
Vakhtin died from a brain injury after falling and hitting his head against the floor, according to the newspaper.
An investigation was launched into the incident last week after security camera footage of the incident was released online. The video caused public outcry.
If found guilty, Zelendinov faces up to two years in prison.