Qaraganda Woman on Trial for Fatal Stabbing in Alleged Self-Defense Case

In Qaraganda, a woman is on trial for fatally stabbing her partner during what her defense argues was an act of self-defense, not a deliberate crime, Orda.kz reports.

Lawyer Ibragim Sadouakasov insists it was a case of forced self-protection.

It was simply self-defense, not a premeditated act. The deceased was the first to attack with a knife,
 he stated on Instagram.

The case is being prosecuted under Part 3 of Article 106 of the Criminal Code of Kazakhstan: “Intentional Infliction of Grievous Bodily Harm Resulting in Death by Negligence.”

According to case materials, on January 2, 2025, the woman's partner became intoxicated and began assaulting her. He then grabbed a knife and thrust it toward her chest. She blocked the attack with her hand.

When he attempted to strike again, the woman managed to wrest the knife from him and stabbed him in the right side. She immediately called emergency services and police, and tried to stop the bleeding for both herself and her partner. Both were hospitalized, but the man died from blood loss.

The woman now faces 8 to 12 years in prison.

The investigation has reportedly stalled, and all seven motions filed by the defense have gone unanswered. Prosecutors have also refused to reclassify the charges under Part 2 of Article 112: “Exceeding the Limits of Necessary Self-Defense.”

How was she, at 163 cm tall and weighing 62 kg, supposed to fend off a man weighing nearly 100 kg and armed with a knife, in a ninth-floor apartment? They’re charging her with intent, but ignoring the context: she was saving her own life,
Sadouakasov wrote. 

Orda.kz has submitted an official request to the Qaraganda Regional Police Department, but has not yet received a response.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov