Men in Kazakhstan Paid Almost One-Third More than Women

In Kazakhstan, men are paid 27% higher salaries than women in similar positions, as reported in a study conducted by analysts, Finprom.kz. The authors state that in a regional context, the largest gap in 2023 was observed in the Atyrau region: 85.8% (in 2022 – 77.2%), followed by Mangistau and Ulytau: 72.8% and 52.4%, respectively. The smallest gap was noted in the Zhambyl Oblast: 1,8%.

“Only in two out of 20 regions of the RK women on average received more than men. Thus, in Zhetysu region men earned 6.1% less, in Turkestan region 0.8% less than women. By way of comparison: in 2022, the average monthly nominal salary of women was higher than men in five of the 18 regions of the country at that time,” the analysts stated.

The analysts noted that the largest gap was observed in the field of information and communication: 36.5% in favor of men, followed by the spheres of art, entertainment and recreation (36.1%), construction (28.5%), healthcare and social services (24.1%), transportation and warehousing (23.4%).

“Only women working as farmers and workers in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and fishing received more than men: the gap in favor of women was 7.6%,” the analysts concluded.

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Image: UzReport.news

Real Estate Worth $8 Million Found in Dubai Belonging to Son of Ex-Prosecutor General of Uzbekistan

The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and 75 media partners worldwide have released an investigation, Dubai Unlocked, which uncovers the foreign owners of real estate in Dubai. According to the report, the son of former Uzbek Prosecutor General, Alisherbek Kadirov, has commercial real estate in Dubai with an estimated value of approximately $8 million.

According to Gazeta.uz, the investigation is based on leaked data on real estate in Dubai from 2020 and 2022, mostly from the Dubai Land Department, as well as from state-owned utility companies. The authors note that they only included people whose identities are of public interest.

“Among the participants of the list is one representative of Uzbekistan. This is Alisherbek Kadirov, son of former Prosecutor General Rashitjon Kadirov. In 2018, shortly after the detention of Rashitjon Kadirov, the Interior Ministry declared Alisherbek Kadirov a wanted man. According to the investigation, he owns four offices in the business center, Marina Plaza, the total cost of which is estimated at $ 7.97 million,” stated the report.

Rashitjon Kadirov headed the Prosecutor General’s office of Uzbekistan from 2000-2015, and was then elected judge of the Constitutional Court (2015-2017). In February 2018, the initiation of criminal proceedings against him became known. In June 2019, he was sentenced to ten years imprisonment on charges of bribery, incitement to bribery, fraud, willful evasion of taxes and other mandatory payments, interference in investigation, and other crimes. He was released on parole in January 2023.

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Image: Temirov Live director Makhabat Tajibek-kyzy in incarceration, Temirov Live Facebook

UN Special Rapporteurs Denounce Repressions of Independent Media in Kyrgyzstan

A number of UN Special Rapporteurs have denounced the repression of independent media in Kyrgyzstan and sent a letter to the authorities of the country. In the letter, they mentioned recent events related to the publications Kloop, 24.kg and Temirov Live, Vesti.kg  reports. The UN Special Rapporteurs called on the Kyrgyz authorities to fully respect international norms and standards regarding freedom of expression.

“We are concerned that attacks on independent journalists and news outlets appear to be a direct result of their independent journalistic investigations. We are concerned that independent media and human rights defenders are worried that they will not be able to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and associations to do their legitimate work without intimidation or reprisal,” the letter states.

The authors of the letter also ask the Kyrgyz authorities to provide detailed information on the charges against Kloop, 24.kg and Temirov Live.

Earlier TCA reported that evidence regarding the case of 11 current and former journalists of Temirov Live, arrested on charges of calling for mass riots, were transferred to the court and will soon be handed over to the judge.

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A rally in Prague in support of Saltanat Nukenova; image: Asel Kamiyeva

“I Hope Saltanat’s Family Can Find Peace” – Women of Kazakhstan Speak Out on Bishimbayev’s Sentence

On November 9, 2023, former Kazakh Minister of the National Economy, Kuandyk Bishimbayev was caught on surveillance cameras arguing with and then brutally beating his common-law wife, 31-year-old Saltanat Nukenova, for around eight hours outside a restaurant he owned in Astana. A forensic examination showed that she had been strangled, but the cause of death was recorded as traumatic injury to the brain. The high-profile case which was live-streamed garnered international attention. Despite pleading not guilty to premeditated murder, Bishimbayev was sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment for torturing and murdering Nukenova, and his cousin Bakytzhan Baizhanov to four years for his part in covering up the crime.

Prosecutor Aizhan Aimaganova, who became widely-known during the trial, said in an interview with Tengrinews.kz that she believes the verdict will change the country forever. “Family and domestic violence is a pressing problem… I hope that after this trial, women will realize that going to law enforcement is not useless. It is necessary to talk about problems. I think now any domestic tyrant will think twice before raising his hand,” she said.

Prosecutor Aizhan Aimaganova; image: Press service of the Astana Court

While the length of the sentence is a victory for advocates against gender-based violence, both within Kazakhstan and in the many parts of Europe where the trial was also followed closely, many Kazakhs feel it is still too early to say that justice has been done. In an open discussion that is rare in Central Asia, many citizens are posting their concerns on social media that the Nazarbayev-era official will find a way to get out of prison early: there is already speculation that Bishimbayev, a former member of the country’s elite, will leverage his political connections to secure an early release – or be recognized as terminally ill.

Following the verdict, TCA took to the streets of Kazakhstan to ask women their opinion.

“I finally feel relieved,” Sara, an SMM manager from Astana told TCA. “Twenty-four years is a justified sentence in my opinion. Although tragic, this case drew public attention to a great many issues, such as the need for both a new law against domestic abuse and charities to support victims of domestic violence, which is very prominent in Kazakhstan. The whole country watched the case unfold, and that attention was put to good use since many other domestic violence cases got the attention they deserved. I hope that our justice system will make sure that Bishimbayev doesn’t get a chance to get out early and serve his full sentence. The same applies to Baizhanov.”

“Considering various aspects, including the status of his family and the presence of his children, this sentence is probably objective, especially given the jury’s involvement,” 21-year-old journalist, Kamila told TCA. “The main issue now is to prevent his release on parole once the unrest subsides, though I know this is only possible if the victim’s family give their consent.”

“From an objective point of view, 24-years for a brutal murder with aggravating circumstances is quite short, but taking into account all the nuances such as the status of his family and his former position as a minister, this is the best we can get in our country,” Alua, a teacher from Taraz commented. “The only thing I fear at the moment is that he may be released on parole as soon as the fuss dies down.”

“Based on his age, this sentence looks like a life sentence,” Raushan, a 43-year-old Art Historian from Almaty told TCA. “When he gets out, he’ll be about 70-years-old, and at that age, he won’t be able to hurt anyone anymore. The main consequence of this case is the adopting of a new law protecting us women.”

“This was a case observed by all,” said 23-year-old student, Jasmine. “It seems to me that the verdict was given fairly, without any bribery of the jury or corruption. I’m not sure if 24 years is enough for all the horrors he committed, but I hope Saltanat’s family can find peace.”

According to official statistics, around 400 women are killed in incidents of domestic violence each year. In a call for Kazakhstan to toughen penalties for domestic violence against women and children, a petition was signed by some 150,000 citizens, and in April this year, President Tokayev signed onto the statute book a law in line with OECD standards which tightens the penalties for domestic violence and provides more help for survivors. The legislation, which has become widely-known as “Saltanat’s Law,” will come into force on 15 June.

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photo: akorda.kz

Kazakhstan and Malaysia Set to Expand Cooperation

On May 16, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made an official visit to Kazakhstan to engage in talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The meeting focused on expanding cooperation in political, trade, economic, investment, and humanitarian spheres.

In his opening speech, Tokayev hailed Malaysia one of Kazakhstan’s most important and reliable partners in Southeast Asia, and continued:  “Kazakhstan and Malaysia have a history of long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation – so I believe your visit will provide a very strong impetus to the further development of ties between our countries. We are ready to make additional efforts to advance our interaction and cooperation in many important areas.”

The Kazakh president welcomed the participation of Malaysian companies in the implementation of new projects and promised necessary support from the Government of Kazakhstan.

In addition, he commended the 30-day visa-free regime which benefits citizens and in particular, business men and women, travelling and working between the two countries, and noted the convenience of direct flights. Regarding cooperation in education, attention was drawn to the fact that more than 500 Kazakh students are currently studying at Malaysian universities.

In turn, Anwar Ibrahim stressed the importance of strengthening Malaysia’s trade and economic cooperation with Kazakhstan, and stated: “We can make the most of growing economic relations. We have created a huge commodity market in Malaysia. Our country has now become a regional hub for the production of computer chips with significant investments from the USA, Europe, especially Germany, and China. I think we can share this experience and at the same time, learn from your successful transformations of various fields.”

 

 

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photo: Kyrgyzstan Ministry of Economy & Commerce

Russian Online Retailer Wildberries to Build Logistics Center in Kyrgyzstan

Wildberries, Russia’s largest online marketplace, is set to build a logistics center spanning 300,000 square meters in the Chui region of northern Kyrgyzstan to service cross-border e-commerce.

The initiative was confirmed on 16 May in Kazan, Russia, in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation by Wildberries, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Economy and Commerce, and the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in the Chui region.

The large-scale infrastructure project represents an important milestone in trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Kyrgyzstan.

As part of its positive impact on the Kyrgyz economy, the ministry says the initiative will help raise employment, and increase the volume of the economically active population through the development and emergence of new small and medium-sized enterprises, contractors, and buyers.

Kyrgyzstan is currently home to two other Wildberries centres in Bishkek and Osh servicing some 130 order delivery points across the country.

E-commerce is rapidly growing in Kyrgyzstan and to date, over 17,000 Kyrgyz sellers are registered on the Russian marketplace, compared to about 7,000 in 2022.

 

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