Sexual Abuse Case in Taraz Raises Concerns Over Investigation Process

A case of sexual abuse has emerged in Taraz, where a 15-year-old girl was reportedly abused by a relative over the course of a year, Orda reports.

Despite a criminal case being opened, the victim has not yet been officially recognized as such, and the suspect remains free, according to the victim's mother, who spoke with Orda.kz.

The mother explained that her daughter regularly visited her sister's home to help with childcare, during which time the abuse allegedly occurred.

I learned about it from my daughter-in-law. It turned out that my child was being abused by my own son-in-law. My daughter kept quiet, but eventually decided to tell her cousin. When I heard this, I was shocked. We immediately went to the regional hospital for an examination, and my worst fears were confirmed, the girl's mother said.

After reporting the incident to police in late January, concerns arose about the investigation process, particularly regarding the minor being questioned without proper legal representation.

We called 102, and an investigation began. However, the course of the investigation is upsetting. My daughter was left alone with a pedophile at the police station, and after that she came out in tears and trembling. I did not know about this. Two days later we were called, as part of the investigation we went to the home of my son-in-law, where the daughter showed what happened and how. But the child has still not been recognized as a victim, and the main suspect remains at large. I fear for my family and children. I ask the President to take control of this case and punish the culprit to the fullest extent of the law, the woman said.

The family now faces pressure from the suspect and his relatives, with the accused threatening suicide.

We will petition for the suspect to be taken into custody and also seek protection for the victim's family. The case has been transferred from the district police department to the Taraz city police department. We are currently waiting for the deposition (procedural recording) of the minor's testimony, reported lawyer Aliya Arzymbetova.

The case, filed under paragraph 1, part 3-1, article 120 of the Kazakhstan Criminal Code, carries a potential sentence of up to 17 years.

Taraz's chief prosecutor, Nurzhan Boranbaev, commented: 

The case was received by us on February 7. A special prosecutor will be appointed. In the investigative court, we will secure the deposition of the minor's testimony. Our position is the rule of law.

Orda.kz will continue following developments.

Original Author: Islambek Dastan