Some commentators on social media justify the homicide of Saltanat Nukenova, wife of ex-head of the ministry of national economy of Kazakhstan, by religion. CABAR.asia asked experts if religion truly justifies abuse of women.
Ex-minister of national economy of Kazakhstan Kuandyk Bishimbaev was arrested on November 9, 2023 in a luxury restaurant of Astana. He is suspected of murdering his wife Saltanat Nukenova. Later on, Bishimbaev’s brother, who ran the restaurant, was arrested. The brother is suspected of deleting videos that recorded the murder of Saltanat.
According to the victim’s relatives, the wounds on the woman’s body show that she was beaten. They also suspect that the woman had a slow and painful death, the ambulance was called only after her death.
Terrible news was added with private stories told on social media by women who have been abused, demands to tighten punishment for domestic violence, and collection of signatures under the petition addressed to President Tokayev, flash mob, appeals of bloggers, analytical materials and podcasts.
Every such post always receives many comments on the appearance and behaviour of girls, justification of violence by upbringing and existing corrupt practices. There is also a ‘normalisation’ of violence and its justification by religion.
The so-called ‘golden rule’ – namely, treat others as you would like to be treated – exists in every religion. According to Yelnar Berikbaev, instructor in religious and cultural studies at Al Farabi Kazakh National University and expert in countering religious extremism, this golden rule is strengthened in Islam by the belief that a prayer by an offended person would definitely be accepted by the Most High and the offender would be punished.
“Those people who justify abuse of a woman by Islam do not know the fundamentals of religion,” Berikbaev said. “The Prophet Muhammad never beat or punished his wives. Before his death, his legacy to the Muslims was to treat wives well: “The most perfect believer in his faith is the one who has the most excellent manners, and the best of you are those who are best to their wives.” Beating of a wife is unacceptable in Islam and is a sin.”
Priest Aleksy Gavrilov, provost of Nicholas the Wonderworker’s Cathedral in Bulayevo (town in North Kazakhstan region), explained that Christianity considers abuse of any creature as a sin. And a man committing a sin will be held accountable before God.
“The Bible cannot justify violence. Because of the key commandments sounds like, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’,” the priest said. “In church, violence is punished by a penance (fasting, long prayers, etc. – Editor’s note) and excommunication. Secular laws are also applicable here – churching does not cancel them. God does not give a right to anyone to cause harm to another person. Because it’s not love, while God is love.”
The widespread opinion of many commentators that a woman in religion is automatically deprived of all rights, must keep silent and accept her situation is unreasonable.
According to priest Aleksy Gavrilov, the Bible says that men and women are equal to each other – both have the image and likeness of God, and Christian humbling has nothing to do with threats and violence.
“In Islam, a woman is not obliged to take care of the house, has a right to be fully provided by her husband, and may dispose of her assets at her option,” Yelnar Berikbaev dispelled the myth.
He said that a woman may get divorced if the marriage is beyond her endurance, abuse is a reason for formal divorce.
“Also, a woman can make decisions, express her opinion, take part in political and social life of the community. The Prophet Muhammad sought his wives’ advice on any issue – from minor to most serious ones,” Yelnar said.
A particular kind of comments under the news about violence comes down to “if god wills, it will happen, and god will punish those guilty.”
Yelnar Berikbaev relates this position and suggestions like “it was for a reason” to the defensive reaction to horrible events. According to him, it is difficult for people to realise that a young woman was murdered in the centre of the capital city and no one came to protect her. Their brain comes up with scenarios to ease their fear.
“Yes, it’s all in God’s hands, but a rolling stone gathers no moss,” said Aleksy Gavrilov. “God gives us tongue and brain for a reason – we should not be inactive whenever we face any violence. If we walk past, it means degradation of humanity. An ethical person will always protect and help the weak one. And it makes no difference whether he/she believes in God or no.”
Another reason for trust in divine retribution, according to Yelnar Berikbaev, is that many people lose faith in the fair settlement of their problems. And latest news show that domestic violence and crimes against women is the sphere, where the deficit of faith is obvious.
“As experience confirms, a quality investigation and fair verdict can follow only after public reaction,” said lawyer Zhanna Urazbakhova. “The reason is no empathy and skilled personnel. Investigations are carried out poorly and lead to the loss of important material evidence.”
Any public reaction and much attention to the victim aggravate her mental condition. But victims do it even putting their own mental health at risk. Because it is impossible to spur law enforcement into action without public discussion, according to Zhanna Urazbakhova.
Is there a way to give publicity to the case and avoid continuous accusations against the victim in comments? De jure, the constitution of Kazakhstan guarantees the freedom of speech. In other words, all have a right to express their subjective opinion, unless it turns into misleading information or threats. So, if anyone casts aspersions on you or distributes your personal data, you can go to police. Technically speaking. However, the burden of proof in such cases lies on a victim. It means another risk to the mental condition.
“People’s consciousness must be changed,” Urazbakhova said. “The more we speak about the facts of violence and consequences, the more people become aware that what happens exceeds the limits and they feel themselves in danger.”
Main illustrative photo: Freepik.com