Mother of Conscript Claims Son Was Committed to Psychiatric Institution Without Consent

Before being drafted, Armanzhan Arykbay, a young man from the Almaty region, looked after his mother, who is visually impaired.

According to his family, he was forcibly conscripted into the military and, just a few weeks later, placed in a psychiatric facility — without parental consent or proper explanation.

His mother, Farida Kazhimuratova, shared the story with Orda.kz.

The Only Provider

Armanzhan lived with his mother, who has a second-degree disability. He was the family’s sole provider. On June 12, Farida says her son was taken near a local shopping center and transported to Qonayev, where he was held at the enlistment office for two days before being sent to military unit No. 5513 in Taraz.

And already on June 15, when they got off the train and lined up, my son fainted. He was kept in Taraz for three days, and on June 21, he was transferred to the National Guard unit in Almaty,
 said Kazhimuratova.

After arriving in Almaty, Armanzhan was allowed to see his mother. He told her that a serviceman named Alisher had assaulted him while in Qonayev. Concerned, Farida contacted doctors, who initially told her there was nothing serious.

Later, she was informed that Armanzhan might have a brain tumor.

On July 3, I went to the hospital to see him, but they told me he was being examined elsewhere. I waited for three hours. When I finally spoke to a doctor, he told me, ‘I just put your son in the mental hospital.’ No consent, no notice!
she said.

Farida tried to enter the hospital, but was turned away due to the end of the workday. She was not allowed to meet with the hospital administration either. Despite her limited vision and mobility, she continues to search for information about her son.

In response to Orda.kz, the Southern Regional Command of the National Guard stated:

On June 17, a conscript at military unit 5513 experienced a seizure. He was taken to a medical facility. According to him, he had suffered a head injury prior to conscription, which occasionally caused similar episodes. He is now being examined at the Republican Center for Mental Health in Almaty. His condition is stable, and he is receiving appropriate medical care.

However, Farida Kazhimuratova insists that her son was in good health before enlistment, had no psychiatric history, and had never complained of medical issues.

They took my son without explanation, committed him to a mental hospital without my consent, and I still haven’t been allowed to confirm he’s okay. I just want to know he’s alive and well,
 she said.

Orda.kz will continue to monitor the situation.

Original Author: Asem Zhuken