Astana police's announcement of bringing charges against 68-year-old Rizabek Zhumagaliyev, a resident of Ust-Kamenogorsk, has sparked a wide resonance on social media. Instead of supporting law enforcement, Kazakhstani netizens have rallied behind the elderly man and harshly criticized the police for "hype" and leaking the video, reports infohub.kz.
The incident occurred at the front office of an administrative building in the capital. While passing through a metal detector frame, the 68-year-old man removed his trousers. Police qualified his actions as "petty hooliganism" and clear disrespect for others, drawing up a protocol and sending the materials to court. Moreover, the video of the detention and search was published on the official resources of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Kazakhstanis believe that the elderly man, who came from a region, might have encountered such a search for the first time and simply got confused or misunderstood the instructions of the staff: "Why did you fine the poor pensioner? Do you need a plan? He had no malicious intent, he just didn't understand what was required of him. These policemen could be his sons; instead of respect and understanding, you slapped a fine on him," complained one user.
At the same time, Kazakhstani citizens were outraged that the police released the video of the elderly man in his underwear for everyone to see, along with his full name. "How legal is it to publish such a video? Sue the police department for humiliating his honor and dignity nationwide!" urged subscribers.
The search procedure itself in institutions also drew sharp reactions, with users calling it humiliating and stressful due to the lack of clear explanations from the staff.
Kazakhstanis are demanding to stop the administrative prosecution of Rizabek Zhumagaliyev, release the pensioner, and hold accountable the officers who allowed the publication of degrading footage online.