“You Don’t Have to Die Inside to Save Your Family” — Karina Gosman Reaches Out to Kazakhstani Women After Years of Abuse

The first preliminary hearing in the case against former Kazakh diplomat Saken Mamash has been postponed at the request of the victim’s lawyer. Ahead of the hearing, Karina Gosman, Mamash’s ex-wife and a survivor of a decade of domestic abuse, spoke to Orda.kz about her journey, the court case, and her message to other women.

Karina, formerly Karina Mamash, was married to Saken Mamash, a former adviser to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the UAE. She endured 10 years of physical and emotional abuse before escaping with her children and returning to Kazakhstan in May 2024.

O: Karina, you went through a dangerous and difficult journey to protect yourself and your children. How do you feel now?

K: I’m not afraid anymore. What I feel now is responsibility. I know exactly why I’m going to court and what I’m fighting for. This isn’t about revenge or pain — it’s about the truth. I don’t have any illusions; I know the process won’t be easy. But I’m ready to speak openly, without shame or fear.

O: What would a court victory mean to you?

K: A verdict isn’t the only form of victory. Victory is when I’m heard, when a woman’s voice who has experienced violence isn’t doubted. That will be a victory not only for me, but for all women who are still afraid to speak out.

O: A criminal case was previously opened against Saken Mamash for threatening you, but it was later dropped. Are you currently facing any threats or pressure from him or his family, or perhaps some proposals to stop the trial?

K: There are no direct threats at the moment, but I’m facing other forms of pressure — attempts to “settle” the case through mediation. He wants to avoid a trial. He’s offered apartments in exchange for my silence, but I won’t agree.

This man has already deceived me and our children — we were left without a roof over our heads. When he realized that a trial was inevitable, he started acting cunningly. First, he filed for visitation rights, and we started seeing each other again. He played on my vulnerabilities — tears, apologies, promises about the future. He said he’d return to his diplomatic career, that the kids would live abroad. The kids believed him. I was in a vulnerable state and fell for it.

Then, when the court ruled that he had to pay me 17 million tenge, he came up with an “alternative.” He said, “Why bother with the money? Just sign papers saying I’ve already paid. That way, the seizure on the apartment will be lifted. I’ll give you power of attorney, and you can sell the apartment and buy a place for you and the kids.”

I believed him and signed the papers. He did give me power of attorney, and then immediately revoked it. That’s it. No apartment, no money. Just lies. Again.

For him, this is about evading responsibility. For me, it’s about justice, truth, and protecting my children.

O: The case was opened under Article 110, Part 2 — “Torture.” Do you think that’s enough, or should there be other charges?

K: I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. If the legal system truly looked at what happened, there would be additional charges — threats to life, creating extreme danger, and psychological abuse. But even one article is a start. What matters is setting a precedent so the system begins to work.

O: What would you like to say to women in Kazakhstan?

K: You have the right to safety. To speak. To be respected. You don’t have to die inside to save your family. You don’t have to endure abuse. If you’re being destroyed, that’s not love. You don’t have to be strong — you have the right to be happy. And you are not alone.

Case Background 

A criminal case against former diplomat Saken Mamash was opened under Article 110, Part 2 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code — Torture, which refers to causing physical or mental suffering through violent acts carried out with cruelty or mockery, particularly against someone financially or otherwise dependent on the perpetrator.

The case has been marked as closed to the public in the “Court Office” system. The Astana judicial administration has not provided a reason.

Karina Gosman and her children returned to Kazakhstan from the UAE in May 2024, with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the #NeMolchi.kz foundation. Upon return, they stayed at the Qorgau Crisis Center for victims of domestic violence in Astana.

On May 10, 2024, a criminal case was opened against Saken Mamash, and he was removed from his diplomatic post.

On June 7, it was reported that a second criminal case had been initiated against him for threatening his ex-wife, though the investigation was later closed.

In October 2024, Karina officially divorced Mamash and legally changed her surname back to Gosman.

Orda.kz continues to follow the case.

Original Author: Anastasia Prilepskaya