ALMATY (Reuters) – The trial of a former government minister charged with beating his wife to death has captivated public attention in Kazakhstan, with many viewing it as a test of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s commitment to creating a fairer and more just society.
Disturbing footage presented in court this week depicted Kuandyk Bishimbayev, a former economy minister, viciously assaulting a young woman identified as Saltanat Nukenova. In the video, Bishimbayev is seen repeatedly kicking and punching the woman, who was found dead last November in a restaurant owned by a relative of her husband.
The coroner’s report revealed that Nukenova died as a result of brain trauma, with evidence of broken bones and multiple bruises on her body. Bishimbayev, facing charges of torture and murder with extreme violence, could potentially receive a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Despite this, he maintains his innocence and claims that Nukenova’s injuries were self-inflicted.
Many Kazakhs perceive Bishimbayev as a representative of the country’s privileged ruling class, leading to concerns that he may evade proper consequences even if found guilty, similar to a previous instance where he was convicted of bribery but later released early from prison.
Kazakhstan, a nation abundant in oil resources with a population of 20 million, has witnessed instances where members of the elite have evaded justice for various offenses, contributing to public skepticism towards the legal system.
PATRIARCHAL SOCIETY
Since taking over from long-time Kazakh leader Nursultan Nazarbayev five years ago, President Tokayev has expressed a desire to create a more equitable society, including enhanced rights for women in a traditionally conservative and patriarchal environment.
“Millions of Kazakh citizens are unofficially serving as jurors in this trial,” stated gender rights activist Aida Alzhanova. “While the appointed jurors may deliver a verdict on Bishimbayev, the overall assessment of the court system, legislation, and its enforcement will come from civil society.”
One significant reason for the widespread interest in this trial, which is being streamed online, is the prevalent issues of domestic violence and violence against women in Kazakhstan, pressing matters even prior to the tragic death of Nukenova.
Government statistics indicate that one out of every six Kazakh women has encountered violence at the hands of a male partner. Recently, a controversial talk show on state television was discontinued after sparking outrage for attempting to reconcile a woman with her abusive husband.
In 2017, Kazakhstan decriminalized domestic violence, limiting punishment mainly to fines, a decision criticized for discouraging women from reporting abuse, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. Efforts are now underway to reverse this legislation through a proposed bill in parliament.
“For years, we have advocated for the criminalization of domestic violence,” noted Zulfiya Baisakova, head of the Union of Crisis Centres, a non-governmental organization. An online petition advocating for these changes has gained significant traction online, in conjunction with coverage of the Bishimbayev trial.
(Additional reporting by Tamara Vaal in Astana; Editing by Gareth Jones)
