On Monday, Kuandyk Bishimbayev, who previously served as Kazakhstan’s Minister of National Economy during the presidency of Nursultan Nazarbayev, received a 24-year prison term in Astana’s specialized inter-district investigative court. This sentence was for the torture and murder of his common-law wife, Saltanat Nukenova, The Times of Central Asia reports on May, 13th.

The Astana courtroom delivered its verdict and sentence amidst a widely-watched live stream trial, sparking intense conversations on domestic violence in Kazakhstan. This trial served as a litmus test for the justice system’s capability to hold even the most powerful to account. Support rallies for Nukenova surged beyond Kazakhstan’s borders, with demonstrations held in Czechia, Georgia, Italy, Spain, and various other nations.

Judge Aizhan Kulbaeva pronounced the verdict following a jury trial, with Bishimbayev standing in the glass-encased dock, his head bowed momentarily. While he admitted to assaulting Nukenova, citing CCTV footage as evidence, he maintained he didn’t have lethal intentions.

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Amidst mounting public outcry over Nukenova’s tragic death, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took action by signing a new law in April, aligning with OECD standards. The law imposes stricter penalties for domestic violence and enhances support for survivors, earning the nickname “Saltanat’s Law.”

This response reflects a promising shift for women’s rights in the region. The case swiftly progressed to a jury trial, broadcasted live for full transparency. Notably, a female prosecutor spearheaded the proceedings, underscoring Kazakhstan’s stance against gender-based violence.

Bishimbayev has faced sentencing before. In 2018, he was handed a ten-year term for bribery. However, less than a year later, then-President Nazarbayev pardoned him.

The Time of Central Asia