High-profile murder trial in Kazakhstan boosts awareness of domestic violence

Kuandyk Bishimbayev, accused of killing his wife, is seen at his trial in Astana, Kazakhstan, April 12, 2024. The case has hit a nerve in the nation, with petitioners urging harsher penalties for domestic violence. (Kazakhstan Supreme Court Press Office) This June 2017 photo provided by Aitbek Amangeldy shows a selfie taken by his sister, Saltanat Nukenova, in Astana, Kazakhstan. Her husband, former economy minister Kuandyk Bishimbayev, is on trial in her November 2023 death. (Aitbek Amangeldy via AP) Two women buy flowers in Astana, Kazakhstan, April 21, 2024. A high-profile trial involving the killing of Saltanat Nukenova has raised awareness of spousal abuse in the Central Asian country. Businessman Kuandyk Bishimbayev, the country's former economy minister, sits in a defendant's cage in court in Astana, Kazakhstan, April 19, 2024. (Kazakhstan Supreme Court Press Office)

The CCTV footage shown at the domestic abuse trial was disturbing: The defendant is seen dragging his wife by her hair, and then punching and kicking her. Hours after it was recorded, she died of brain trauma.