Journalist Duman Mukhammedkarim attempts suicide twice in Kyzylorda isolation cell

September 22, 2026 at 01:33 PM2 min

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Journalist Duman Mukhammedkarim attempted suicide twice on September 4 in a disciplinary isolation cell in Kyzylorda, his father Almaz Tilepov said at a press conference on Tuesday. Tilepov has appealed to the Prosecutor General's Office, Vice President Yerlan Karin, and Deputy Security Council Chairman Aida Balayeva to investigate prison staff and prevent further suicide attempts.

Key Facts

Duman Mukhammedkarim attempted suicide twice on September 4 using his own shirt, according to his father Almaz Tilepov.
Tilepov says his son has been held in solitary disciplinary isolation for more than 600 days.
Tilepov has filed a complaint with the Prosecutor General's Office alleging possible incitement to suicide and cruelty under Articles 105 and 146 of the Criminal Code.
Mukhammedkarim was sentenced to seven years in prison and has previously gone on hunger strike and swallowed magnets, requiring hospital treatment.

Suicide Attempts in Isolation

Duman Mukhammedkarim attempted suicide twice on September 4 in a disciplinary isolation cell in Kyzylorda, his father Almaz Tilepov said at a press conference in Almaty. Tilepov stated that his son used his own shirt in the attempts and that the incident was not spontaneous but followed a series of protests. After a hunger strike, Mukhammedkarim began swallowing magnets and was taken to hospital several times, Tilepov said. A prison officer then placed Mukhammedkarim in a disciplinary isolator for 15 days, according to Tilepov.

Appeals to Authorities

Tilepov has appealed to the Prosecutor General's Office, Vice President Yerlan Karin, and Deputy Security Council Chairman Aida Balayeva to investigate prison staff and prevent further suicide attempts. He demands an independent review of whether illegal actions, cruel treatment, or inaction by prison staff led to his son's condition. Tilepov has filed a complaint alleging possible incitement to suicide and cruelty under Articles 105 and 146 of the Criminal Code. He said his son has been held in solitary disciplinary isolation for more than 600 days and called for verification of all disciplinary punishments.