Almaty Airport Incidents Highlight Gender Violence Concerns in Kazakhstan

Airport

Two distressing events at Almaty International Airport this year have reignited conversations about gender violence in Kazakhstan. On August 25, surveillance footage captured a man setting himself on fire at a ticket counter after a dispute with his partner. Authorities intervened, and he is currently in critical condition, as per the Transport Police Department. The incident, attributed to domestic issues, has sparked widespread online debate, though details remain scarce.

Earlier, on March 7, a violent act at the same airport involved Mashrapbek Baratov, who took a female security officer hostage, threatening her with a knife and claiming to have a bomb. A courageous bystander, Musa Abdraim, managed to disarm him and was honored for his bravery by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Baratov, with a history of domestic violence, received an 11-year prison sentence in July.

These incidents are part of a broader trend of violence against women in Kazakhstan. A high-profile case involving former Minister of National Economy Kuandyk Bishimbayev, who was convicted of murdering his partner, Saltanat Nukenova, in 2023, shocked the nation. The trial drew significant attention, leading to a 24-year prison sentence for Bishimbayev in 2024. This case coincided with the enactment of a pivotal law aimed at protecting women's rights, informally known as "Saltanat’s Law," which intensified penalties for domestic abusers.

Despite legislative progress, challenges remain. State Councilor Yerlan Karin reported a 20.5% decrease in domestic violence reports by June 2025, alongside reductions in serious domestic crimes and offenses against minors. However, experts caution that without adequate police training, shelters, and support services, these legal reforms may not achieve their full potential.

Cultural change is essential to complement legal measures. Activists emphasize the need for educational campaigns to alter persistent attitudes that often subordinate women within families. Although women increasingly participate in business and public roles, traditional expectations continue to make them susceptible to violence, sometimes justified by perpetrators as corrective behavior.

While the introduction of "Saltanat’s Law" represents a significant step by the government, the recent events at Almaty airport demonstrate the ongoing risks faced by women. Comprehensive solutions combining legal, cultural, and support initiatives are crucial to ensuring their safety and equality in society.