In Kazakhstan, a talk show advocating for domestic violence hit headlines, stirring controversy and sparking debate.
In a shocking turn of events, state-owned television in Kazakhstan aired a controversial talk show earlier this month. The hosts billed it as a heartwarming reconciliation attempt between a troubled couple, but the congregated harassment and verbal abuse towards the woman, Gulmira, left viewers stunned and enraged.
The episode unveiled a deep-rooted issue of domestic violence, which is alarmingly widespread in Kazakhstan. In what was meant to be a touching reunion scene, a man in his forties, armed with flowers and a white teddy bear, approached the 40-year-old woman, sitting in the studio. However, her response was anything but warm.
"I don't need anything from you! My children don't want to see you or even talk about you anymore! Thank God you are no longer with us!" Gulmira, identified only by her name, shouts at the man, shoving him away.
She explains that she had fled her husband, along with six children from Shymkent to Astana, where she sought refuge in a crisis center. Over 18 years, her husband had been an habitual abuser, beating both her and the children. He had also driven her to drink, the presenters suggested without empathy.
The producers had arranged for the husband to appear as a surprise, without Gulmira's knowledge or consent. The man freely admits his history of physical abuse, justifying his actions by saying she didn't keep the house clean.
Yet, the presenters' questioned Gulmira, implying that she must have somehow provoked her husband's behavior. The audiencewas appalled by the show's blatant attempt to legitimize domestic violence, and the tabloid talk show has since been cancelled.
Almaty resident Tatyana Kuchura shared her outrage on Facebook, "This is an unprecedented exemplar of the patriarchal garbage mindset boiling in the heads of so many Kazakhstanis. A cynical attempt to shape public opinion in favor of these domestic brutes."
Journalist Zhadra Zhulmukhametova was equally horror-stricken, "What if they had made up, and then he had killed her in some other fight? Did that not even cross the mind of the show producers?"
Culture and Information Minister Aida Balayeva announced the cancellation of the talk show, Birak (However), from state broadcaster Khabar. "A state television channel should not be permissible to broadcast such abhorrent content," she wrote on her social media.
The show's controversial airing takes place at a crucial time, as a high-profile trial of former minister accused of beating his partner to death in November is ongoing. Kuandyk Bishimbayev stands as a tragic symbol of the domestic violence epidemic.
People close to Bishimbayev and his partner, Saltanat Nukenova, have alleged that he physically abused Nukenova on a regular basis, but never faced any consequences. A growing online campaign seeks to justify his behavior by portraying Nukenova as less than innocent.
Tragically, similar incidents of domestic violence are rampant across Kazakhstan, particularly in rural areas, where such abuse is widely accepted. According to the Interior Ministry, police receive over 100,000 reports of domestic violence every year, but most perpetrators go unpunished.
Renat Zulkhairov, a senior ministry official, expressed concerns that "impunity breeds permissiveness, assault becomes habit, and that often leads to more serious consequences." He referred to these "serious consequences" as death, with around 900 people killed due to domestic violence incidents in Kazakhstan over the past five years.
In a positive step, Kazakhstan has taken significant legal initiatives to combat domestic violence. In June 2024, a major law, also known as "Saltanat's Law," was enacted, which criminalized domestic violence and introduced harsher penalties for related crimes. Further legislative amendments are being drafted to impose penalties commensurate with the severity of domestic violence offenses.
Activists and experts believe that the battle against domestic violence is far from over. The powerful combination of financial dependency, cultural norms, and societal acceptance continues to hinder progress. However, with increased awareness and legal action, there is hope that lasting change can be achieved.
- The controversy surrounding Birak, a state-broadcasted talk show in Kazakhstan, has shed light on a prevailing issue in the country: domestic violence.
- News of Gulmira's on-air confrontation with her abusive husband has sparked public outrage, with many viewing it as an example of Kazakhstan's deep-rooted culture of domestic abuse.
- The canceled talk show comes at a time when policy-and-legislation discussions regarding domestic violence are at the forefront, particularly with the ongoing high-profile trial of Kuandyk Bishimbayev.
- Mental-health professionals and experts are also raising concerns, emphasizing the impact of domestic violence on the health-and-wellness of its victims.
- Amidst this general-news, there is a glimmer of hope as Kazakhstan implements stricter laws like "Saltanat's Law" to combat domestic violence, signifying a step towards creating a safer society and fostering healthier relationships.
