The ongoing trial of former Kazakh economy chief Kuandyk Bishimbayev for the brutal murder of his wife, Saltanat Nukenova, has captivated not only Kazakhstan but also neighboring countries. The trial, which is being livestreamed over social media, has sparked a national conversation about traditional gender roles and the prevalence of domestic violence in the country.
Surveillance footage from November 9, 2021, shows Bishimbayev violently assaulting Nukenova in a VIP room of a restaurant owned by his family in Almaty. He punched and kicked her before dragging her by the hair to a separate room, where there were no cameras. Nukenova, covered in blood, was left to die in the suite while Bishimbayev called a fortune-teller for reassurance. It took 12 hours for an ambulance to arrive, but Nukenova was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bishimbayev, who has a history of corruption and was previously pardoned by former President Nursultan Nazarbayev, has admitted to causing Nukenova’s death but denies acting with “exceptional cruelty,” the charge he faces. The trial has become a symbol of the country’s struggle with domestic violence, with approximately 400 women dying from such abuse each year, according to the United Nations.
Dinara Smailova, founder of the women’s rights NGO NeMolchi, has been closely following the case and believes that Bishimbayev’s trial has become a lightning rod for public anger towards the old system. She highlights the significance of the trial in challenging traditional gender norms and fostering intolerance towards violence among the younger generation.
The case has prompted President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to sign new legislation criminalizing the striking of women and children, making it punishable by jail time. Previously, most instances of domestic violence were treated as civil infractions. However, the new law has faced opposition from male lawmakers who have suggested retaliatory measures against abusive wives.
The impact of the trial has extended beyond Kazakhstan’s borders, particularly resonating in Russia, where domestic violence laws have been controversially relaxed. Russian women have expressed solidarity with their Kazakh counterparts, sharing their own experiences and calling for stricter legislation against domestic violence.
While the new law in Kazakhstan is seen as a step in the right direction, some activists argue that it falls short of adequately protecting women and children from abuse. The trial of Bishimbayev has shed light on the urgent need for societal change and a shift in cultural attitudes towards women.
