Saken Mamash: Former Kazakh Diplomat Sentenced to Six Years for Abuse of Ex-Wife

The trial of former adviser to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UAE, Saken Mamash, has concluded in Astana. He was accused of assault and abuse of his former wife, Karina Gosman (Mamash), Orda.kz reports.

The verdict was announced by Judge Artur Abdukhanov:

Recognize Saken Mamash as guilty of committing a criminal offense under Part 2 of Article 110 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan (torture), and sentence him to six years of imprisonment to be served in a medium-security correctional facility.

Mamash was also stripped of his diplomatic rank of First Class Counselor.

The prosecution had previously requested this exact sentence — six years in prison. Under Article 110, the penalty ranges from four to seven years. Those with no prior convictions often receive the minimum term.

Karina Gosman (Mamash) returned from the United Arab Emirates to Kazakhstan in May 2024. She stated that her husband, who was serving as an embassy adviser in the UAE at the time, had been physically abusive toward her for ten years. 

She was able to return with her children with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan and the #NeMolchi foundation.

Karina, her children, and her sister stayed at the Qorghau crisis center in Astana, a facility for victims of domestic violence.

A criminal case was opened against Saken Mamash on May 10, 2024, and he was removed from his position.

In October 2024, Karina Gosman officially divorced Mamash and dropped his surname, although it remained on her documents. Before the trial, Gosman addressed women in Kazakhstan and shared her story in an exclusive interview with Orda.kz.

The trial on charges of torture began on June 10. During the proceedings, Mamash’s relatives accused Karina Gosman of inappropriate behavior and denied that she was financially dependent on him.

The remainder of the trial was held behind closed doors at the request of the victim; journalists were only allowed into the courtroom for the verdict.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya