(10 February 2026 | Source: Ulysmedia.kz)
A video showing the burning of a Kazakh flag and the breaking of a coat of arms, filmed on the grounds of a school in Pavlodar, has sparked a strong reaction on social media. Authorities explained: the symbols were deemed not to meet standards and were subject to destruction, but the process itself was poorly organised and became public.
WHAT HAPPENED
A video circulated on social media showing a group of people burning the state flag of Kazakhstan and breaking the coat of arms. It later emerged that the footage was filmed on the grounds of Mashkhur Zhusup School, reports Ulysmedia.kz.
The destruction of state symbols raised questions among users, as such actions are traditionally seen as an insult to national emblems. However, in this case, official bodies stated that this was not an act of vandalism.
POSITION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
The education department explained that the school had a special commission tasked with destroying items that did not meet national standards and technical requirements. The work was carried out under Order No. 137 of the Minister of Culture and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 8 June 2023.
According to the department, the procedure was documented with an official report, and the filming was intended solely for an internal record. The publication of the footage in the public domain was not intended.
WHY THE HEAD TEACHER WAS DISCIPLINED
Despite formally complying with regulatory requirements, the education department acknowledged that proper oversight was not maintained during the process.
As a result, the head teacher was issued a formal reprimand. No other disciplinary measures or investigations are mentioned in the materials provided.