Kyrgyz Artist Under Investigation for Comments About Historical Kazakh Khan

A criminal case has been opened against Kairat Primberdiev, an Honored Artist of Kyrgyzstan, for allegedly inciting ethnic discord following his comments about historical figure Kenesary Khan, reports Orda.kz.

The investigation stems from Primberdiev's interview with a Kazakh media where he apologized to Kazakhs for Kenesary Khan's death, stating that Ormon-Khan "was forced" to kill him.

His statements sparked controversy in Kyrgyzstan.

It so happened that our Ormon-Khan was forced to kill Kenesary Khan. I just want to ask the Kazakh people for forgiveness for what happened. I want to cry now. Some of Kenesary's inner motives were also good. He wanted our two peoples to unite against the Russian Empire. It's just that our Shabdan Batyr and Ormon-Khan saw the strength of Russia and said: 'If we act now, we will lose all our people: both the Kyrgyz and the Kazakhs.' Even the Kazakh sultans were against us going against Russia, Primberdiev said in the interview.

Kyrgyz Deputy Culture Minister Marat Tagaev criticized the singer's statements, blaming "foreign propaganda" for influencing artists and youth.

According to Kaktus.media, Primberdiev is currently under travel restrictions while the investigation proceeds.

Kenesary Kasymuly, a 19th-century Kazakh khan who led a national liberation movement, is viewed differently in the two countries.

While Kazakhstan considers him a freedom fighter, Kyrgyz historians highlight his raids on Kyrgyz territories. 

He was captured by Ormon Khan's forces in 1847 and subsequently executed.

Original Author: Alina Pak