Kazakhstan's MP accuses state broadcasters of normalizing abduction of women

Deputies of Kazakhstan’s lower house of parliament have raised concerns over the promotion of violence and offensive language in national television and media, with particular focus on the portrayal of women’s abduction.

The discussion involved questions directed at representatives from the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Culture and Information, and Education, as reported by Caliber.Az citing Kazakh media.

MP Murat Abenov was among the most vocal, accusing state television channels of normalising the kidnapping of women through TV series.

The debate emerged during discussions on the draft law “On the Prevention of Offences,” with Abenov specifically criticising a series currently airing on a state channel. He highlighted scenes that, in his view, appeared to promote and normalise the abduction of women.

“Does it mean the state channel is acting against government policy? The question arises: do these two ministries not hear each other? We pass laws, and they treat them irresponsibly, mocking them. This is wrong,” Abenov said, addressing the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Information.

Following his remarks, the Ministry of Culture and Information announced it would take the necessary measures to address the issue.

Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov responded by emphasising that the draft law includes provisions for content regulation. “If content is found to violate the law or carry a negative message, appropriate measures will be taken,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Kanat Iskakov also pledged to monitor the matter and implement concrete actions if needed.

The report notes that Abenov has previously appealed to media outlets, urging them to accurately convey the legal provisions establishing criminal liability for bride kidnapping.

Amendments have been adopted to Kazakhstan’s criminal legislation in September, aimed at strengthening the protection of citizens’ rights to tackle such issues. Under the new rules, individuals who kidnap women (most often referred to as "brides" as those acts occur to force the women into marriages) will now face up to 10 years in prison. The first criminal cases related to forced marriages have already been registered in Shymkent and the Kyzylorda region, where the victims were minors in both cases.

By Nazrin Sadigova