By Aneurin Davies
The arrests occurred in Astana, the country’s capital, where Cardiff University’s campus is located.
Kazakhstan’s lower house passed an “LGBT propaganda bill” on November 12th. Meaning fines and up to 10 days in jail for anyone found to be disseminating “information containing propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation and paedophilia” (according to the UN). The goal of the bill is to uphold what Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev calls “traditional values”.
In the wake of this, several queer activists in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, have been arrested. Arj Tursynkan, Temirlan Baimash (founder of Queer.kz), and Zhanar Sekerbayeva (founder of Feminita) were released on the 22nd of November.
Gair Rhydd contacted an activist who was present at the arrest of Arj, Temirlan, and Baimash. Yara Tychino, a transgender woman living in Astana, claims that, during a pre-planned event by Education Community (a queer rights group), a group of hecklers arrived and began taunting the presenters.
The last presenter of the night, Arj Tursynkan, after being repeatedly heckled, swore at himself, saying “долбоёб” (dumbfuck). As police arrived at the event, they arrested Arj for “cursing in a public space” and he was screamed at by the hecklers during his arrest.
According to Yara, after arriving at a “pretrial detention facility” and being charged with “petty hooliganism”, two unknown men were put into Arj’s cell during the night. They assaulted Arj, a transgender male, used physical force, and threatened rape.
Yara alleges that, “by morning, Arj had taken a full pack of antidepressants and painkillers with the intention of ending his life under pressure.
“This was likely sanctioned by the police, who intended to harm and potentially kill a queer activist,” Gair Rhydd was told.
Additionally, Yara told us that, at the same time as Arj’s arrest, a police raid occurred at the only drag bar in Astana – Central Station.
Yara informed us that, “12 people were detained and released later, and numerous people present were held in the building against their will.
“This happened because another queer rights initiative, Request, held their own event there. After the police left and detainees were released, the bar resumed its program.”
Arj was handed an 80,000 tenge fine, around £120, while Temirlan and Zhanar are likely to also stand trial for “petty hooliganism”.
Cardiff University highlights their support for LGBTQ+ students on their website. On it they say, “We strive to continue to improve the experience of our LGBT+ students, and have been continually recognised for our efforts by Europe’s largest LGBT equality organisation.”
A Cardiff University spokesperson told Gair Rhydd: “We have already raised concerns with both the UK Ambassador and the Minister for Science and Higher Education.
“The law has not yet been passed so it’s too early to offer further comment. However, our commitment to LGBTQ+ rights remains unchanged. We are committed to delivering a Cardiff education programme in Kazakhstan that remains true to our values.”