Police detain street musicians who swore into microphone across Sairan

“Swearing into a microphone” — what happened

The case was prompted by a social media post from an Almaty resident. While walking along the Sairan embankment, she recorded people using obscene language into a microphone.

“It was getting dark. And every 100 meters — music, music, music. It is all different, heard all mixed together, and in the end it is just chaos in the background. No rest at all. And then people like this show up, swearing into a microphone in front of everyone,” the author of the post wrote.

The city resident suggested either banning such activity or limiting the number of performers and the volume of their speakers.

“Petty hooliganism”

The Almaty Police Department said that after the video appeared, police officers identified the man and woman seen in the footage and took them to a police station.

Administrative proceedings were initiated against both participants in the incident on charges of petty hooliganism.

“The collected materials have been sent to court. Obscene language in public places, showing disrespect toward others and other actions that violate public order entail liability under the law. Law and order begin with the cultural behavior and mutual respect of every person,” police said.

What the violators may face

Under Article 434 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, obscene language in public places and other actions showing disrespect toward others entail:

• a fine of 20 MCI, which in 2026 amounts to 86,500 tenge;
• or community service from 20 to 60 hours;
• or administrative arrest for 5 to 15 days.

The final decision in the case will be made by the court.