Eight Men Accused of Systematic Abuse of 15-Year-Old Girl in Kazakhstan

A shocking case of systematic sexual violence against a 15-year-old schoolgirl in Kazakhstan's Almaty region has sparked public outrage. According to the victim's representatives, eight young men aged between 16 and 25 are involved, having allegedly tormented the ninth-grader for two months.

The orphaned girl lives with her brother. Her family claims the suspects, who are from the same village, intimidated her. They reportedly called her late at night and used threats of blackmail to force her to leave her home.

Human rights activist Inga Imanbai stated that rumors about the incidents first circulated among students. The school principal learned of the situation, summoned the girl, and received a detailed account from her. However, instead of immediately contacting law enforcement, she concealed the fact for five days before informing the victim's brother. A formal complaint was filed on March 16.

"To date, not one of the eight suspects has been detained; among them are children of school teachers," Imanbai's statement added.

In an interview with journalists, the victim described how one of the young men blackmailed her. She recalled he threatened to tell her brother about their communication if she did not comply.

"He called me at half past two in the morning. At first I didn't answer. Then I remembered he had threatened to tell my brother about us talking, as my brother forbids me from communicating with unknown guys," she said. "When I picked up, he said: 'I've arrived, come out.' I was scared and went out."

The girl recounted that he then assaulted her—kissing her, touching her—and when she resisted, he shouted at her, hit her in the face, and attempted to rape her by a car before she managed to fight back.

Regional police have now commented on the investigation. A criminal case was initiated on March 19 under an article of the Criminal Code pertaining to sexual acts with a person known to be under sixteen.

"During operational search activities, a circle of suspects has been established; two of them have been detained and placed in a temporary detention facility," police reported. "Investigative actions are being carried out regarding the remaining suspects."

The police stressed that investigators are carefully verifying all arguments from every side and assured that no pressure is being exerted on the victim. The case has been transferred to regional investigative units, and a special investigative-operational group has been created.

The leadership of the Almaty Regional Police Department has taken personal control over the investigation.