Kazakh MP Walks Back “Penaltystan” Remark After President’s Criticism

Kazakh MP and Mazhilis deputy Azat Peruashev commented on his statement from last year, when he repeated the phrase “Penaltystan” while speaking about Kazakhstan, Orda.kz reports.

The phrase had already been circulating in Kazakhstani social media for a while, where users used it to complain about what they saw as excessive fines and growing pressure from law enforcement and regulatory bodies. Peruashev picked up the phrase publicly last year and used it in his speech.

The topic returned to the agenda after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev criticized politicians who use such wording while speaking about the state’s tougher approach to public order, fines, and law enforcement.

At a recent meeting, Tokayev said Kazakhstan must oppose legal nihilism and continue its “Law and Order” policy. He said respect for the law should not be seen as fear of punishment, but as a sign of civic responsibility.

Peruashev said he had already admitted that the remark was a mistake.

Last year, when this word was said, I admitted that it was wrong. We in parliament should not speak rudely; we must speak respectfully. I said this a year ago. Yesterday, the president criticized not only me but also other people. This is work, this is life. We need to accept the president’s criticism, take it as a lesson, and continue working,Peruashev said.

He also added that Kazakhstan is not “Penaltystan.”

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