Tokayev speaks out against bride kidnapping in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has condemned bride kidnapping and stalking-related crimes, describing them as barbaric and damaging to the nation’s reputation. He made the remarks while commenting on a high-profile murder case in Shymkent during his speech at the fifth meeting of the National Kurultai in Kyzylorda on January 20.

“Bride kidnapping is kidnapping a human being. It is a crude, savage crime that undermines the reputation of our nation. Such cruelty must not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Tokayev said.

Amid public outrage, Tokayev instructed the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prosecutor General’s Office to review the actions of the police in Shymkent, noting that the murder had shocked the entire country.

The body of 21-year-old university student Nuray Serikbay was found in Shymkent on January 11. According to national media reports, a man known to the victim has been detained on suspicion of the murder. He had reportedly stalked the woman prior to the crime. In his speech, Tokayev said that investigators had established facts of systematic harassment and threats by the suspect against the student.

Tokayev has previously addressed crimes against women. In 2024, he described attempts at bride kidnapping in the country as “terrible ignorance.” In 2025, amendments were introduced to Kazakhstan’s legislation allowing courts to impose up to 200 hours of community service or up to 50 days of arrest for stalking, defined as non-violent harassment. In addition, a new provision was added to the Criminal Code предусматривающая punishment of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for forcing someone into marriage.