MP Bapi Raises Alarm Over Insults to National Symbols and Traditions

Majilis deputy Yermurat Bapi voiced concern over the growing number of incidents involving national values and state symbols, Orda.kz reports.

Some people, driven by an alien religious movement, tried to call our priceless Kazakh musical instrument, the dombra, ‘haram’ and worthless, while another group, wearing the national headdress saukele, half-naked, demonstrated a dance in a yurt, which is considered a symbol of the Kazakh steppe and the centuries-old nomadic way of life of our ancestors, which caused indignation in Kazakhstan's society,
Bapi stated in his parliamentary inquiry. 

He pointed to a recent incident in Atyrau, where four girls wearing niqabs posed with the national flag featuring Arabic inscriptions.

Bapi argued this was “not just random hooliganism.”

This is an open confrontation with our society, our statehood, national traditions and identity. The flag is a sacred value for every citizen of Kazakhstan. Damaging it with various signs is grossly contrary to the law and requires criminal liability. Perhaps, behind this gross violation of the law are the actions of extremist forces.

He also raised concerns over the fact that similar flags with Arabic inscriptions have been sold online for 5,000 tenge, and he demanded clarification on who authorized their distribution.

Bapi emphasized that Kazakhstan is a secular state that guarantees freedom of religion while protecting national values, unity, and cultural heritage by law.

If any actions of a destructive nature will encroach on our unity, then we cannot consider such a question separately from state policy! Therefore, we must assess this action, which legitimately causes concern. The provocation is not aimed at expressing the religious views of individuals, but at violating the stability of society and state integrity.

The controversial photo of young women holding the Kazakhstan flag with Arabic inscriptions has recently been circulated on the Internet. It was taken at an ice rink in Atyrau. One was arrested, while the others were fined.

Zhangeldy Suleimanov, a lawyer with the Almaty City Bar, stated that he believes the girls committed no crime — not even an administrative offense — regarding the flag.  

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova