Deputies expressed concerns about violence and profanity in Kazakhstani series and media. The issues involved the work of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, and the Ministry of Education, reports Orda.kz.
Murad Abenov noted that despite taking into account the proposals of parliamentarians, questionable materials still appear on screens:
“Questions about the abduction of girls were also discussed, and changes to the law were made. However, I still see strange things in the media. On the national channel Qazaqstan, a series is shown where phrases like: ‘if you don’t agree, I will kidnap you,’ and ‘it’s nothing, I was abducted too, and everything is fine’ are heard. This creates a contradiction between those who justify such actions and those who oppose them. This contradicts state policy.”
Interior Minister Yerzhan Sadenov agreed that such cases are unacceptable and confirmed that mechanisms for controlling such content will be introduced under the new law.
“Under the new law, we will monitor and block such materials. The Ministry of Culture will send us films and series for examination to determine whether the propaganda is right or wrong. This work is ongoing, but some films still get through. Therefore, even after the law is passed, it will require refinement and increased control,” he stated.
Deputy Minister of Information Kanat Iskakov added that the department will support legitimate initiatives:
“If such a fact is identified, we will take specific measures to ensure it does not happen again. If it concerns our domestic series, measures will be taken. If it is about foreign content, we will not allow it to air. We are working in advance with experts and public organizations.”
Deputy Kudaibergen Beksultanov also expressed criticism, reminding about the importance of the moral character of Kazakh society, as mentioned by the president:
“Preventive measures need to be taken. Look at what films our youth are watching: ‘Sake,’ ‘Pake,’ ‘Prosecutor,’ ‘Qara-qara,’ ‘School No. 105.’ In these series, every word is filled with profanity. Is this normal? This is a disaster. Where are we heading? The president clearly stated: we need to work with society — both with adults and with youth. But when swearing becomes the norm in films, it’s terrible. Why is this allowed? I ask you to respond: what do we need to do, what measures should be taken?” he exclaimed.
Kanat Iskakov noted that the new bill includes appropriate measures:
“The new bill includes amendments to the Administrative Code that provide for punishment for the dissemination of offensive content, including profanity. We will work in this direction and ensure mechanisms for identifying and holding accountable.”
A representative of the Ministry of Education added that a program called “Adal Azamat” is being implemented in schools, aimed at instilling moral values in students to prevent negative influences on the younger generation.
Some deputies opposed stricter control over films and series. Akyn deputy Rinat Zayit stated that excessive censorship could harm national creativity:
“We hear conversations that I don’t understand. There is such a concept as ‘artistic work.’ Yes, profanity is unacceptable. But can we start judging all my peers who sing about the abduction of girls? I remind you: there is a folk song — ‘If you truly love me, my dear, be ready to run away tomorrow evening.’ Who will conduct the examination? How competent are they? And how will you protect artistic works? Will we ultimately lose our folklore? And we won’t be able to read the words of the late Akselue Seidymbek (‘Beipil sozder’) calmly.”
Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Kanat Iskakov clarified that this is not about censorship that contradicts the Constitution. Creative freedom is supported as long as it does not violate the law:
“We will consider issues related to the abduction of girls. The plot needs to be evaluated. If a character talks about abduction, but it happens with the girl’s consent, that’s one situation. We can approach the director with a request to make changes, but we will not change the entire plot or punish for it.”
According to Iskakov, adjusting content that may contradict state policy is important, but this does not mean banning folklore or folk songs.
