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…
