Domestic Violence - The Times Of Central Asia

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Women's rights

Montenegro Will Not Extradite NeMolchi Founder to Kazakhstan

The authorities in Montenegro have decided that the director of Kazakhstan’s NeMolchi.kz (Don’t be silent) foundation, Dina Smailova (Tansari), will not be deported to Kazakhstan, where she faces charges of knowingly disseminating false information, violation of privacy, and fraud. Smailova’s Legal Battles and Exile Since 2017, Smailova has faced a plethora of criminal cases. In 2021, she left Kazakhstan and relocated to Georgia. After she departed, Almaty police launched new inquiries against her. In June 2022, Smailova said that these investigations were opened “because I criticize the activities of the Almaty police, because I demand the resignation of the leadership, because I do not recognize the police who torture our people in their dungeons!” In early 2024, Smailova left Georgia and requested asylum in the European Union, and in April of that year, she was detained in Montenegro based on an Interpol warrant from Kazakhstan’s Interior Ministry. Kazakhstan and Montenegro do not have an extradition agreement, so Montenegrin officials needed time to consider the Kazakh authorities’ request to repatriate Smailova to Kazakhstan. Smailova was therefore quickly freed from custody but remained in Montenegro, and in July, she and her husband, Almat Mukhamedzhanov, were granted international protection status in the country, signaling that she was unlikely to be extradited. On September 4, Montenegro’s Supreme Court ruled to deny Kazakhstan’s request for her extradition, and on September 12, Smailova wrote on Facebook that the decision had come into force. NeMolchi.kz is an organization that defends the rights of women and children in Kazakhstan and reports on incidents of domestic violence, a problem that has become more visible in the country in recent years. Violence against women has become a priority issue for the Kazakh government, especially since the high-profile murder of a young woman named Saltanat Nukenova in 2023. The Nukenova Case and Public Outcry Saltanat Nukenova was killed in an Astana restaurant by her husband, Kuandyk Bishimbayev, a former Kazakh Minister of National Economy. Bishimbayev was convicted of taking bribes and, in March 2018, was sentenced to ten years in prison. His term was later reduced to four years, and he was eventually released early in December 2020. On November 9, 2023, Bishimbayev and Nukenova went to an Astana restaurant where they had a private room reserved. Bishimbayev and Nukenova quarreled, following which Bishimbayev severely beat his wife, then waited several hours while she lay dying from head injuries he inflicted on her before calling for medical help. Later that same month, it was reported that the police in East Kazakhstan Province had started investigating Smailova for fraud. Police questioned “hundreds” of people who had donated to NeMolchi.kz, on the suspicion that Smailova had used some of the donated money for personal purchases. Before the end of 2023, formal charges were lodged against Smailova, and Kazakhstan put out an international warrant for her arrest. Bishimbayev’s trial was televised and drew a huge audience in Kazakhstan. He was found guilty and sentenced to 24 years in prison. The details of the beating of...

Domestic Violence

Tajikistan Launches Domestic Violence Hotline

Tajikistan’s Committee on Women and Family Affairs has launched a dedicated hotline for victims of domestic violence, marking a significant step in regional efforts to address gender-based violence. According to Asia-Plus, the contact center aims to expand access to support services and raise public awareness. In recent days, the Committee informed citizens via SMS that anyone experiencing domestic abuse can contact the helpline at +992 (37) 221-30-40. The center operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00, and Saturdays from 8:00 to 12:00. Both women and men can receive free legal advice and psychological support on issues such as domestic abuse, housing, alimony, and divorce. Officials said the hotline builds on earlier in-person consultations and has already been operational for over two months. It was established under the framework of Tajikistan’s law “On the Prevention of Domestic Violence” and a corresponding state program. Its core mission is to support survivors and help prevent future cases of abuse. (A previous hotline, number 1313, was operated by the Committee but was discontinued for unspecified reasons.) Regional Momentum In neighboring Uzbekistan, the government approved an Administrative Regulation in June 2024 to enhance services for women and minors affected by domestic violence. According to the Justice Ministry’s press service, the regulation expands access to assistance through multiple channels, including the nationwide network of Inson social service centers, the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ 24/7 police hotline (102), emergency dispatcher (112), and the short “trust” number (1146). Citizens can also report abuse to neighborhood police inspectors or local social workers. Authorities are now legally required to respond within 24 hours of receiving a complaint. Protective measures include issuing restraining orders, relocating survivors and their children to shelters, and conducting immediate assessments by social workers and police. The government also plans to establish crisis centers in every province by the end of 2024, providing safe refuge and access to medical care. Kazakhstan’s Landmark Reform Kazakhstan has also taken decisive steps. On April 15, 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a landmark piece of legislation, popularly known as Saltanat’s Law, to strengthen protections for women and children. The law was named in memory of Saltanat Nukenova, a 31-year-old woman murdered by her husband, former economy minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev, in a case that shocked the nation and triggered mass protests. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the new law re-criminalized domestic battery and the infliction of minor bodily harm, which had previously been classified as administrative offenses. It introduced harsher penalties for repeat offenders and eliminated legal loopholes that allowed reconciliation in cases involving minors. For the most serious crimes, including murder and sexual violence against children, the law provides for life imprisonment.

Domestic Violence

Domestic Abuse Back in Spotlight After Self-Immolation, Hostage Cases in Kazakhstan

Two shocking incidents at Almaty airport this year, one involving self-immolation, the other a hostage-taking, have once again led to discussions about gender issues in Kazakhstan. Two Tragedies at Almaty Airport On August 25, CCTV cameras recorded a man pouring gasoline over himself at an airport ticket counter after a "personal conflict with his common-law wife," before setting himself alight. Police extinguished the fire, but the man remains in critical condition in hospital, according to the Transport Police Department. The airport chief of police stated that "according to preliminary data, the man committed this offense because of domestic relations." Although internet platforms have been rife with speculation about what lies behind the incident, no further information is currently available. Earlier, on March 7, Mashrapbek Baratov assaulted a female security officer at the same airport, dragging her by the hair and threatening her with a knife while claiming to be carrying a bomb. He was disarmed by a bystander, Musa Abdraim, who was later awarded a medal for bravery by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Baratov, who had a history of violence against women, was sentenced to 11 years in prison in July. The Bishimbayev Case and “Saltanat's Law” These cases reflect a wider pattern of violence against women. The most infamous case involved former Minister of National Economy Kuandyk Bishimbayev, who beat his partner, Saltanat Nukenova, to death in November 2023. The trial, broadcast live, shocked the country and drew international attention. Bishimbayev was sentenced to 24 years in prison in May 2024. The case coincided with the introduction of new legislation, the Law on Ensuring Women’s Rights and Child Safety, signed by Tokayev in April 2024. Publicly dubbed “Saltanat's Law,” it toughened penalties for domestic abusers and marked a turning point in public awareness of gender-based violence. High-profile prosecutions continue. On July 18, former diplomat Saken Mamash was sentenced to six years in prison for psychological and physical abuse of his ex-wife. Progress and Persistent Gaps Officials report cautious progress. State Councilor Yerlan Karin announced in June 2025 that domestic violence reports had dropped by 20.5% year-on-year. Serious domestic crimes fell by nearly one-third, and crimes against minors also declined. Overall, the number of crimes against women has halved in five years. Yet experts warn the problem is far from solved. Kazakhstan still lacks trained police officers, shelters, and support services for victims. Civil society groups stress that legal reforms must be accompanied by education campaigns to challenge entrenched attitudes that relegate women to a secondary role within families. Despite women’s growing participation in business and public life, traditional norms often leave them vulnerable. Many abusers justify violence as a way of “correcting” women who fail to meet domestic expectations. High levels of objectification and sexualization further reinforce inequality. A Continuing Struggle While Saltanat's Law has signaled a strong state response, the Almaty airport tragedies reveal the dangers of ignoring early warning signs of violence. Until legal measures are matched with deeper cultural change and expanded support networks, Kazakhstan’s women remain at...

Domestic Violence

‘Saltanat’s Law’: Have the Lives of Kazakhstani Women Changed?

One year ago, on April 15, 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a landmark package of legislative amendments aimed at addressing domestic violence in Kazakhstan. Quickly dubbed 'Saltanat's Law' by the public, the reforms are seen as honoring the memory of 31-year-old Saltanat Nukenova, who was brutally murdered by former Minister of the Economy, Kuandyk Bishimbayev. First Results: Statistics, Challenges, and New Realities Nukenova’s death and the viral public outcry under the hashtags #SupportSaltanat and #LifeImprisonment, catapulted domestic violence from the policy periphery to a national priority, prompting Parliament to pass amendments within weeks. The legislation reinstated criminal liability for battery and minor bodily harm, introduced penalties for repeat offenses within a year, prohibited reconciliation in cases involving minors, and instituted life sentences for murder and sexual violence against children. The law came into force on June 16, 2024. One year on, activists say there is enough data to evaluate early outcomes. Crucially, advocates note that the law has empowered women with legal language: for the first time, they can cite specific criminal statutes rather than relying solely on moral appeals. Yet, infrastructure has lagged. At the time of the legislation's adoption, there were 49 crisis centers nationwide; by mid-2025, that number had grown to 69. Still, 85% of districts lack access to shelters. With a population exceeding 1.2 million, Shymkent has only one center despite receiving 11,000 violence-related complaints. The Abay and Kyzylorda regions have none. Funding remains precarious: this spring, the Turkestan region’s largest center nearly closed due to unpaid utility bills. While international organizations provide training and grants, a stable government funding mechanism is still absent. Voices from Across Kazakhstan The Times of Central Asia spoke with women from various cities to gauge how the law has impacted daily life and their perceptions of safety. Kamilla, 21, a barista in Almaty, has observed a subtle shift: “Men have become more cautious, especially older ones. Bosses who used to make threatening or derogatory comments are more restrained now. They fear imprisonment, not just a fine. Still, I’m not confident the police would take my side. Many people still say, ‘It’s your own fault.’ But among my friends, few would ever justify violence. That’s already progress.” Madina, 19, a student from Taraz, sees increased online engagement: “Now, when someone shares their story, it goes viral," she told TCA. "People comment, repost, and demand justice. But on the ground, in the neighborhoods, little has changed. Women are still afraid. There’s nowhere to go, and often no family support.” Gulnara, 39, an accountant in Astana, recalls a neighbor’s silence: “She was often beaten. We offered help, but she waved us off. She didn’t want ‘to air dirty laundry.’ It’s not just about laws, it’s about mentality. Many still see the law as distant, irrelevant to their own lives.” Dana, 27, a makeup artist in Kostanay, says the law offers emotional support: “When it passed, we felt heard. But we know it’s just a beginning," she told TCA. "Young people are more outspoken...

Domestic Violence

Kazakhstan’s Domestic Violence Law Brings Progress Amid Ongoing Challenges

Crimes against women and children have declined over the past year in Kazakhstan, a trend attributed to a sweeping new law on domestic violence. Despite these gains, authorities caution that women and children remain at significant risk from abuse. Persistent Challenge On June 16, 2024, Kazakhstan's Law on Ensuring the Rights of Women and the Safety of Children came into force, having been signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev two months earlier. Since the outset of his presidency, Tokayev has identified combating domestic violence as a top policy priority. Children’s Ombudsman Dinara Zakieva reported that roughly 900 crimes against the sexual integrity of minors are recorded annually. Since the law’s enactment, at least 25 individuals convicted of sexual violence against children have received life sentences. Meanwhile, according to Marat Abishev of the General Prosecutor’s Office, at least 80 women die from domestic violence each year. Law enforcement officials stress that official statistics significantly underreport the true extent of domestic abuse. Surveys suggest that one in three women in Kazakhstan has experienced physical violence, threats, or psychological pressure. The new law has introduced tougher criminal penalties for domestic abuse, as well as protective and preventative mechanisms. Amendments to the Criminal Code now bar lenient sentences for crimes involving violence against minors and prohibit reconciliation between victims and perpetrators in such cases. The sole punishment for the murder or rape of a minor is now life imprisonment. The law also establishes liability for the sexual harassment of persons under 16 and introduces penalties for inciting or abetting suicide. Initial Results State Secretary Yerlan Karin recently shared data showing early progress under the new legislation. In the first five months of 2025, reports of domestic violence dropped by 20.5% compared to the same period in 2024. The number of serious domestic crimes fell by 29%, while particularly serious offenses declined by 44%. Crimes against the sexual integrity of minors decreased by 21.3%, and pedophilia-related offenses dropped by 40.7%. Karin noted that crimes against women have halved over the past five years, crediting stricter penalties and improved prevention efforts for the amelioration. He also highlighted a rise in the detection of domestic violence cases, facilitated by a new mechanism allowing authorities to launch investigations without a complaint from the victim. Between January and May 2025, more than 19,000 such cases were identified through mobile patrol units, police reports, witness statements, and social media monitoring. To improve reporting mechanisms, QR codes for the national 111 contact center are now displayed in schools. This has led to a spike in outreach: in the first five months of 2025, children sent more than 86,000 messages, with over 2,000 seeking help for violence or bullying. In 28 cases, potential suicides were prevented. Adults also placed over 62,000 calls to the center, many concerning domestic violence. Kazakhstan currently operates 20 psychological support centers and family support services in 112 districts and cities. A new prevention initiative, mandatory psychological counseling for aggressors, was introduced this year, with courts ordering 52 individuals...

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence in Kazakhstan: What Has and Hasn’t Changed for Victims

The issue of domestic violence in Kazakhstan has sparked intensified public debate in recent years, particularly following several high-profile cases involving public officials, businesspeople, and artists. Against this backdrop, analysts at the Ranking.kz portal examined how the situation has evolved and how effectively the state is addressing the issue. Stubborn Statistics According to the Committee on Legal Statistics, Kazakhstan has seen a significant decline in overall murder rates, from 1,400 cases in 2010 to 449 in 2024. Similar downward trends are observed for other serious crimes, including rape, sexual assault, and manslaughter. However, the share of murders classified as domestic crimes has increased from 17% in 2018 to 23% in 2024. This means that nearly one in four murders now occurs within families, and the decline in domestic homicide rates has been far slower than the national average. Significantly, during the period when domestic violence was criminalized (2015-2017), the number of murders dropped markedly. After its partial decriminalization, the trend reversed, with rates beginning to rise again. A noticeable change came in 2024, when certain domestic violence offenses, such as assault and minor bodily harm, were reclassified from administrative to criminal offences. This shift led to a sharp increase in related criminal cases, reflecting a new legal approach rather than a sudden spike in incidents. Currently, family conflicts that do not involve serious physical harm are handled under Article 73 of Kazakhstan’s Administrative Code, which covers insults, humiliation, and property damage. In 2024, 74,300 cases were registered under this article, up from 60,500 in 2010, although the earlier figure included assault as well. Punishing the Victims A report by the Human Rights Commissioner sharply criticized the previous administrative model for punishing domestic violence, which typically relied on warnings or brief detentions. In many cases, fines were paid out of the family budget, effectively penalizing the victims themselves. “The effectiveness of measures to prevent and stop violence was 35% in 2023 and just 20% in 2020. In the remaining cases, the violence was repeated,” noted experts from the National Center for Human Rights. Alarmingly, 40-45% of domestic violence victims are men, according to the same report. It also points out that when women resort to killing abusive partners after years of suffering, it highlights the failure of state policies to provide adequate protection. “Violence continues, and current protective measures fall short,” the report concludes. According to the Kazakhstan Institute for Public Development, 6% of respondents nationwide reported experiencing domestic violence in 2024. The regional disparities are stark: in Mangistau, 38% of respondents said they had faced domestic violence, compared to 14% in Karaganda. Equally troubling is the limited awareness and use of support services. Nearly half of respondents had never heard of crisis centers. Of the 67,500 administrative and criminal domestic violence cases in 2023, only 4,400 victims, just 6.5%, sought help at such centers. In some regions, the rate was under 2%. Public Skepticism Remains High Surveys reflect widespread pessimism about progress on the issue. When asked how the domestic...