Two shocking incidents at Almaty airport this year, one involving self-immolation, the other a hostage-taking, have once again underscored the severity of domestic violence and gender inequality 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 dispute with his common-law wife. He released the female cashier before setting himself alight. Police extinguished the fire, but the man remains in critical condition in hospital, according to the Transport Police Department.
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 carry a bomb. He was disarmed by bystander Musa Abdraim, 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 fatally beat his partner Saltanat Nukenova 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 stronger 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 risk.