The Tragic Story of, Saltanat Nukenova, Behind the Push for Criminalization of Domestic Violence in Kazakhstan
Saltanat Nukenova’s name has become a symbol of the urgent need to address domestic abuse in Kazakhstan. The 31-year-old woman’s tragic death at the hands of her husband, Kuandyk Bishimbayev, a former economy minister, has stirred a nationwide outcry for stricter penalties for domestic violence.
The Tragic Incident
Saltanat Nukenova’s life came to a heartbreaking end on November 9, 2023, when she was found dead in a restaurant owned by her husband’s relatives. The circumstances surrounding her death revealed a horrifying reality — she had been subjected to violent abuse by her husband.
CCTV footage presented during the trial showed Bishimbayev dragging Nukenova by her hair, punching, and kicking her. Hours after the assault, she tragically succumbed to brain trauma.
Public Outcry and Legal Response
Following Saltanat’s death, tens of thousands of people in Kazakhstan rallied for more stringent measures against domestic violence. The public demand for justice was met with action as senators approved a bill to toughen penalties for spousal abuse, which was later signed into law by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This bill, referred to as “Saltanat’s Law” in her honor, marked a significant step towards addressing domestic violence in the country.
Nationwide Impact
Saltanat’s tragic fate has had a profound impact on Kazakhstan, sparking widespread discussions and public activism on the issue of domestic violence. Her case served as a wake-up call, prompting a collective awakening among politicians and citizens, leading to a renewed push for legal reform and societal change.
The public outcry and legal response have shed light on the systemic nature of domestic violence in Kazakhstan, emphasizing the urgent need for the criminalization of domestic abuse to protect women and ensure accountability for perpetrators.
Saltanat Nukenova’s story has become a rallying cry for change, inspiring a nationwide call to action to combat domestic violence and protect the rights and safety of women in Kazakhstan. Her tragic death has propelled the country towards addressing long-standing issues and bringing about meaningful reforms in the fight against domestic abuse.
In 2023, the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Kazakhstan reported that police received 99,026 complaints related to family violence. Furthermore, courts sentenced 67,270 people with administrative sanctions in relation to domestic violence cases. According to a 2018 study backed by UN Women, approximately 400 women die from domestic violence each year in Kazakhstan, with many cases going unreported.
Join a community of true crime aficionados by subscribing to Medium. As a subscriber, you’ll be the first to receive our latest posts, filled with gripping narratives, detailed analyses, and the most up-to-date information on the cases that have both baffled and fascinated the world. And thousand of other Medium post, subscribe now!
Disclaimer:
It is important to remember that all individuals involved in legal proceedings are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The information provided here is based on available records and should not be interpreted as a final judgment of guilt or innocence. The legal process is designed to ascertain the facts and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.