"They Beat Me with a Whip" — Two Children from Jambyl Region Report Slavery and Abuse

Authorities in the Jambyl region are investigating the circumstances surrounding the escape of two brothers who claim they were subjected to slavery and abuse. An Orda.kz correspondent has learned the details.

A video circulating online shows two minors alleging that they were kept in slavery. The footage captures the children displaying bruises, abrasions, and other injuries.

I suffered abuse for five years. They beat me, beat me with a whip, forced me to herd cattle. They took away my phone. My whole body is covered in wounds. I wanted to go to my father, but my mother is afraid to say anything. If they don’t help, I don’t know what will happen to us. One of us will definitely die, said the 16-year-old. 

The younger of the brothers, who identifies himself as Uzakbai, also appealed for help:

Please help us. Take us away. We are forced to herd cattle.

According to Orda.kz sources, the brothers live in the village of Koktal in Talas District. They ran away from home on the evening of August 6 and were later found in Almaty.

They are currently being taken back to the Jambyl region.

The family the brothers lived with was not officially registered as dysfunctional. Police are investigating the circumstances of their escape and the allegations of abuse.

Original Author: Islambek Dastan