Mother Sent to Psychiatric Hospital After Suffocating Two Children

A 29-year-old woman from Khandyagash, Aktobe region, Kazakhstan, was recently sentenced in connection with the death of her two young children. The incident occurred on March 23, 2025, when Gulzainar, a former computer science teacher, suffocated her 3-year-old and 11-month-old children with a pillow. A court-ordered psychiatric evaluation revealed a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, possibly linked to postpartum depression. "The court considered the defendant's mental state," stated a court official, "and determined that mandatory treatment in a psychiatric facility is the most appropriate course of action." Instead of imprisonment, Gulzainar was ordered to undergo treatment. This case highlights the importance of mental health support for new mothers and the complexities of the justice system when dealing with individuals suffering from severe mental illness. The incident serves as a reminder of the silent struggles faced by many and the need for increased awareness and access to mental healthcare.