Translated with AI
Kazakhstan's Minister of Internal Affairs, Yerzhan Sadenov, commented on the statements of those who call the country a "penal stan." He was asked this question during an interview published on the Ministry of Internal Affairs' official website, Tengrinews.kz reports.
According to the head of the department, fines are an effective tool for maintaining public order in many countries. He emphasized that the primary goal of any penal system is to create conditions for law enforcement and ensure the safety of citizens.
Sadenov noted that some people begin to realize the unacceptability of their actions only when the violation entails financial consequences.
The minister emphasized that fines do not apply to law-abiding citizens. He stated that administrative penalties are imposed on those who knowingly violate established rules, and the consequences of such violations should serve as a warning to others.
The Minister of Internal Affairs also emphasized the importance of instilling respect for public order from an early age. He cited examples of children damaging stadium seats in the Ulytau region and park damage in Astana. Sadenov also described a young boy from the Atyrau region who picked up trash left by adults, calling this an example of responsible attitudes toward the environment and public order.
According to the minister, those who obey the law have nothing to fear and don't have to justify their actions. In this regard, he recalled the well-known saying: if you don't know what to do, you should follow the law.
The issue of fines and administrative penalties has been actively discussed in Kazakhstan since late 2024. Last December, the Majilis adopted a law amending and supplementing the Code of Administrative Offenses in its second reading. At the time, Ak Zhol party leader Azat Peruashev spoke out against the document, calling Kazakhstan a "penalty stan."
Later, on January 28, 2025, at an extended government meeting, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev criticized the practice of labeling the country in this way by its own citizens. The head of state stated that global experience shows that maintaining order is impossible without coercive measures, and that the state's actions to ensure the rule of law require public understanding and support.
The day after the president's speech, Azat Peruashev publicly acknowledged that the use of the term "shtrafstan" was unfortunate.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev later returned to this topic again during a meeting dedicated to the development of the city of Alatau. The president criticized those who use such language about the country, emphasizing that Kazakhstan will continue to consistently implement its "Law and Order" policy, as public safety and law enforcement remain among the key demands of citizens.
