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Special Needs

Attitudes Toward Children with Special Needs in Kazakhstan Are Beginning to Shift

An appalling call by an Almaty-based blogger to "kill autistic people" has reignited public debate over attitudes toward children with special needs in Kazakhstan, revealing deep-rooted prejudices that persist in society despite ongoing reforms. Shocking Comments and a Criminal Case “There are too many autistic people, they need to be treated, and if they cannot be cured, they should be killed or autism hospitals should be opened. Children with autism have no feelings!” wrote Almaty blogger Raihan Zhumamuratova in a now-deleted post on social media. Her remarks sparked outrage online and drew swift condemnation from authorities. Zhumamuratova's post followed a disturbing incident on August 23, when a mother posted on Instagram that her two-year-old son was attacked in a courtyard by a teenager who picked him up, threw him in the air, and then fled while covering his ears. The act was captured on video. Initial reports suggested the 13-year-old boy may have a mental health condition, possibly an autism spectrum disorder, though no official diagnosis has been confirmed. The Auezov District Police Department opened a criminal case, and the teenager’s parents were held accountable for failing to properly fulfill their parental duties. Zhumamuratova's comments were widely condemned. The Autism Kazakhstan association filed a formal complaint, prompting Almaty police to launch an investigation. Minister of Labor and Social Protection Svetlana Zhakupova stated, “I think law enforcement agencies will take the right decisions regarding this blogger. The harshest ones.” “You know, we are building an inclusive society together. We do not tolerate discrimination against people with disabilities,” Zhakupova added. “Children with autism are currently under the special supervision of several government agencies, the Ministry of Education, our Ministry of Labor, and the Ministry of Health. We fully support these children.” A Pattern of Neglect and Violence While Zhumamuratova’s statements have drawn near-universal condemnation, this is not the first time a child has been seriously harmed by a teenager with a psychiatric condition. In February 2025, a teenager attacked a five-year-old with a knife inside an elevator in a residential building in Astana. The assault was also recorded and widely circulated online. The attacker, who is registered at a psychoneurological clinic, was later placed in a psychiatric hospital. His legal guardian was held accountable, according to Children’s Rights Commissioner Dinara Zakieva. Parents of children with special needs frequently report being left to cope alone. Rehabilitation services are limited, oversight is weak, and resources are stretched thin. A Long Road to Inclusion Kazakhstan faces systemic challenges in building an inclusive society. For decades, people with psychiatric or developmental diagnoses were kept out of public view. Traditional nomadic culture stigmatized them, and under the Soviet regime, psychiatric diagnoses often carried punitive implications that brought shame upon families. Many citizens today remain uninformed about developmental disorders like autism. As a result, people with such conditions are often met with fear or hostility. Compounding the issue, disability benefits remain low, making private care and quality rehabilitation inaccessible for most families. As of March 1, 2025, Kazakhstan...

Society

97% of Uzbeks Express Pride in Independence, Survey Finds

Ahead of Uzbekistan’s 34th Independence Day, a national survey conducted by the “Ijtimoiy Fikr” Public Opinion Research Center revealed widespread pride and optimism among citizens. According to the findings, 97% of respondents said they feel proud of their country on Independence Day, while 87.6% described the occasion as joyful and festive. Another 84.7% associated the holiday with national unity, and 95.5% expressed pride in being citizens of Uzbekistan. The survey also reflected how deeply independence is viewed as both a historic milestone and a catalyst for personal growth. Some 79.1% of respondents reported that, in recent years, they have had more opportunities to realize their potential and achieve personal goals. Nearly all participants shared a positive outlook for the country’s future. When asked about their vision for Uzbekistan, 97.8% imagined it as strong and prosperous, 88.9% as peaceful and stable, 85.3% as spiritually rich and cultured, and 81.9% as modern and innovative. Researchers concluded that Independence Day has become not just a commemorative date but a potent symbol of national pride and collective confidence in the country’s direction. The findings echo Uzbekistan’s rising profile in international well-being indices. According to the World Happiness Report, published by the World Population Review and based on Gallup poll data, Uzbekistan ranked 47th globally in 2024, making it the happiest country in Central Asia. The ranking considers six categories: income, social support, life expectancy, freedom of choice, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. Kazakhstan followed at 49th, down from 44th the previous year.

Society

Watches Bearing Berdimuhamedov Portraits Become Unofficial Currency in Turkmenistan’s Security Sector

In Turkmenistan, wristwatches adorned with the images of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and his father, former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, are increasingly being used as informal bribes by citizens dealing with law enforcement. Chronicles of Turkmenistan reports that these timepieces, once symbols of official loyalty, have evolved into an unofficial currency within the country’s security apparatus. Distributed primarily through the company Sagat Turkmenistan, the watches are embellished with silver-plated cases, gold accents, precious stones, and the emblems of various law enforcement agencies. Prices range from 3,000 to 5,000 Turkmenistani Manat (TMT), or approximately $870-1,450. But few security officers reportedly pay for them out of pocket. Instead, citizens facing potential criminal prosecution are expected to offer the watches as “gifts” to investigators. “If you are told that a criminal case will be brought against you, then you need to buy such a watch and go to the investigator. This does not mean that the case will be closed. But it is the first payment,” said a resident of the town of Bayramali who had prior dealings with law enforcement. The standard version comes with a black leather strap, although a white version is seen as particularly luxurious. In some instances, investigators reportedly request a strap upgrade, an added cost that the briber must cover. The practice is not limited to security services. In May 2024, The Times of Central Asia reported that in the Balkan region, heads of state institutions were required to purchase similar watches featuring the Berdimuhamedov portraits. Prices ranged from 1,500 to 3,000 TMT ($435-870 at the official rate, or $75-150 on the black market), depending on the design and seniority of the buyer. Higher-tier models feature both Serdar Berdimuhamedov in a black tie and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in a red tie, along with the Turkmen flag and a map of the country. Simpler versions show only one portrait, or a portrait combined with national symbols. All public sector entities, including institutions in healthcare, education, communications, transport, and law enforcement, were reportedly compelled to participate. Senior officials were instructed to purchase the higher-end watches, while lower-level managers had to acquire less expensive models. The use of personalized accessories as symbols of political loyalty is not new in Turkmenistan. Under former president Saparmurat Niyazov, watches featuring his image were widely distributed among schoolchildren and state employees. “We saw watches with the president’s image during Niyazov’s time. It is not surprising that Serdar [Berdimuhamedov] has also started producing gift watches with his portraits. Now all that remains is for him to start erecting monuments to himself throughout the country,” remarked an employee of a state-funded organization in the city of Turkmenbashi. What began as a tool of soft propaganda has now transformed into a transactional item, part status symbol, part bargaining chip, in the interactions between citizens, officials, and security services.

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...

Society

In Turkmenistan, Non-Turkmen Public Servants Pressured to “Turkmenize” Their Names

In the city of Turkmenabad, mounting evidence points to growing pressure on government employees from ethnic minority backgrounds to alter their names to Turkmen equivalents. According to reports by turkmen.news, ethnic Uzbek names such as Sardon and Shukhrat are being replaced with Turkmenized versions like Serdar and Shokhrat. Forced “Turkmenization” Sources indicate that while this practice previously applied primarily to candidates for high-ranking government positions, it is now being extended to mid-level officials and rank-and-file employees. The pressure appears to be particularly intense within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. In recent years, individuals of non-Turkmen origin have reportedly been systematically excluded from employment in the ministry. While personal connections or influence once allowed some exceptions, ethnic Uzbek and Tajik applicants are now being rejected outright, despite ongoing staffing shortages and high attrition rates. Several sources allege that these practices are being directed from the central government in Ashgabat. The same coercive approach is reportedly applied to secondary school graduates in the Lebap region, where students are encouraged or pressured to conceal their ethnic identities or change their names to Turkmen variants. There are also claims that many Uzbeks previously registered themselves as Turkmen in older-style passports to avoid potential discrimination. Ethnic Composition and Language Rights Official data ranks the Lebap velayat as Turkmenistan’s second most ethnically diverse region, with a significant Uzbek population. In districts such as Farab and Dyaneva, Uzbeks comprise one-third or more of the population. In neighboring Dashoguz region, Uzbeks officially represent nearly one-third of the population. However, similar to the Baluchi community in Mary province, they are denied the right to study their native language in schools, even as an elective subject. Unspoken Employment Discrimination Employment opportunities for non-Turkmens are most restricted in the Lebap and Dashoguz regions. New economic projects and job-creating initiatives are typically implemented last in these areas. An unspoken rule reportedly prioritizes ethnic Turkmens for state employment. The Ministry of National Security screens applicants’ backgrounds across three generations, a practice known as uch arka maglumat. Although Turkmenistan’s laws do not officially require candidates to be ethnically Turkmen and there are ethnic minorities in some senior posts, career advancement is significantly hindered for non-Turkmens. Sources stress that ethnic discrimination in Turkmenistan is closely linked to the broader issue of systemic corruption. Government appointments and promotions are often determined not by merit, but by personal connections, bribery, or family lineage. As a result, officials frequently serve the interests of a narrow in-group rather than the public.

Headscarf Debate

Uzbek Politician Calls for Passport Photo Rule Change Amid Headscarf Debate

Alisher Qodirov, leader of Uzbekistan’s Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) Democratic Party, has called for an end to the practice of requiring women to remove headscarves when taking passport photographs. In a statement on his Telegram channel, Qodirov affirmed that Uzbekistan’s status as a secular state is beyond question but argued that secularism should not infringe on personal freedoms. Prosperity Without Discrimination “A secular state, governed by laws adopted by a popularly elected parliament and approved by a popularly elected president, allows citizens to live as they choose, as long as they do not violate the law,” Qodirov said. “Our priority is to ensure that citizens of all nationalities and beliefs can strive for prosperity without discrimination. Everyone is equal, and no one should be demeaned.” Drawing analogies, Qodirov said that just as one citizen may choose to drink beer and another may choose not to, without having to explain themselves, women should be free to cover their hair if it aligns with their beliefs. “Advertising alcohol is prohibited by law, but if a political force wins a parliamentary majority, it could change the law, making alcohol a ‘national value’ or same-sex marriage a free choice. You grant that right,” he added. Qodirov emphasized that all social development must rest on values. Referring to pop star Jennifer Lopez’s recent concert in Tashkent, he said: “If Jennifer Lopez wants to perform at a private, ticketed concert, as long as she doesn’t distribute drugs or promote anti-state ideas, that’s her choice. Showing her body is her decision; watching it is the decision of those who bought tickets. That’s secularism.” By the same logic, he continued, “A woman who chooses to wear a headscarf is protected by law. We accepted public nudity as secularism; we must also accept the right to cover up. Just as we don’t tell Lopez how to dress, we shouldn’t dictate how religious women wear their headscarves nor should we force women, who have lived by their faith for years, to remove them for passport photos. Identification requirements demand an open face, not uncovered hair. Let’s extend the same tolerance to devout women as we do to Lopez.” He concluded that secularism means equality for both believers and non-believers, “not the strong lecturing the weak about life.” Mixed Reactions to Lopez Concert Lopez’s August 7 performance at Tashkent’s Bunyodkor Stadium, part of her “Up All Night – Live in 2025” world tour, drew mixed reactions online. Some praised her discipline and appearance, while others criticized her revealing outfits. Psychogenetics specialist Maryam Mahmudova told her Instagram followers that Lopez’s appearance reflected years of disciplined self-care. “At 56, she maintains her figure thanks to discipline. We, on the other hand, often feel worn out before 40, with no goals or passion. We have no right to judge anyone, instead, we should learn discipline from her, because discipline is a form of self-love,” she said. Neurologist Bahtigul Holmurodova, who followed the concert via social media, commented: “Yesterday, JLo once again showed all Uzbeks what...