Pregnant woman in Zhambyl says husband beat and choked her at cemetery; police open case
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
An 18-year-old pregnant woman in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region says her husband drove her to a cemetery, beat her and choked her, then held her there for over an hour after her water broke and contractions began. Zhambyl police say they have opened a criminal case for battery and have identified the suspect and brought him to a police station. The account has circulated widely on social media, drawing outrage as Astana police report more than 2,000 domestic violence complaints since the start of 2026.
Key Facts
- An 18-year-old pregnant woman in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region said her husband took her to a cemetery, where he beat her, choked her and threatened her with a knife, holding her for more than an hour after her water broke.
- Zhambyl regional police opened a criminal case for battery and said the suspect had been identified and taken to a police station.
- Astana police registered more than 2,000 domestic violence reports since the start of 2026, held about 2,400 people accountable and arrested more than 500.
- The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan condemned domestic violence, saying a woman should not live in fear in her own home.
The Cemetery Attack
The woman said the conflict began after she left home without her husband’s permission. She said he forced her into a car, hit her on the head while driving, took her phone at the cemetery, threatened her with a knife, beat her in the face and choked her. Her water broke and contractions began, but she said he held her at the cemetery for more than an hour, beating her harder as she cried. She secretly contacted a friend, who passed the information to rights defenders. The account was shared on Threads by rights defender Lyazzat Rakysheva.
Zhambyl Police Investigation
Zhambyl police opened a criminal case for battery involving an 18-year-old complainant, the department said. The suspect was identified and taken to a police station. Police said all circumstances of the incident are being established and the investigation is under the control of the regional police leadership.
Domestic Violence Toll
Astana police have registered more than 2,000 domestic violence reports since the start of 2026. About 2,400 people were held accountable, more than 500 were arrested, and police issued around 3,000 protective orders and about 300 special behavior requirements. The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan condemned domestic violence, saying a woman should not live in fear in her own home and a man’s strength lies in controlling anger, not in fists. Social media users expressed outrage and asked whether the woman was safe, urging authorities not to silence domestic violence cases for the sake of the country’s reputation.
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Pregnant woman in Zhambyl says husband beat and choked her at cemetery; police open case
