Hazarat News Agency report: Recently, female blogger Aruzhan Aibekova shot prank videos involving physical contact with strangers in public places in China and Uzbekistan, which sparked widespread discussion. Subsequently, Aruzhan Aibekova was subjected to administrative punishment. Regarding this incident, Hazarat News Agency reporter interviewed the video author in an attempt to understand the reasons behind her actions.

Hazarat News Agency Reporter: Aruzhan Aibekova, please introduce yourself briefly. Where are you from? When did you start being a vlogger?

Aruzhan Aibekova: I am from Taldekurgan, I am 19 years old now, and I am currently studying marketing at Qamalladin University. Since childhood, I have been interested in the media industry, so even though my major is different, I started trying to be a vlogger a year ago. At first, I filmed various types of videos, then tried subway prank content. In the Commonwealth of Independent States, there are very few female bloggers doing such topics. Now I have about 1.2 million followers, most of whom are from overseas. My main goal is to bring people joy.

Hazarat News Agency Reporter: I browsed your social media account, and your video format is indeed unique. Why did you choose this type of prank video?

Aruzhan Aibekova: I have tried many types of content, but finally found that subway pranks were the most interesting and popular with the audience. I film them openly and genuinely, without prior communication with the people involved.

Hazarat News Agency Reporter: Your prank videos shot in China and Uzbekistan caused a lot of discussions. What do you think about it?

Aruzhan Aibekova: The controversial video was actually shot when I went to China for business. At that time, I didn't have any malicious intent, just didn't understand the cultural differences there. The purpose of the shooting was not to defame China. Afterward, the video triggered a lot of online discussions, many people said "she was arrested" or "she was investigated," but actually, it was just a verbal warning in the end.

As for the video shot in Tashkent, it was the decision of the whole team. Later, some people commented, "Has this girl learned nothing from last time?" At that time, I suggested the team to delete the video, but because it was a collective creation, I couldn't oppose it.

I have no grudge against China. Because this incident attracted too much attention, I chose to return to Kazakhstan. If there had been no controversy, I had planned to continue my business activities in China.

Additionally, we have also cooperated with Uzbek bloggers on some positive content, such as giving flowers, food, and holding street performances. In the subway video, I only lightly touched the man's arm or hand, and did not go beyond the limits. The playback of that video reached nearly 13 million. I don't think I'm guilty, but after this incident, I don't want to shoot this type of prank anymore. The negative comments from Uzbekistan made me very sad, and many people also attacked me personally.

Hazarat News Agency Reporter: Your content is considered not in line with the image of Kazakh women, and also violates the cultural traditions of China and Uzbekistan. What do you think about this?

Aruzhan Aibekova: Yes, I realized this later. I respect the laws and cultures of every country, and I apologize for the video in China. At that time, I really didn't understand how strict the laws there were, nor did I expect such a big reaction.

For example, in Kazakhstan, young people are more free and open; while in Uzbekistan, young people are more reserved. I just wanted them to feel happy. From the perspective of the CIS, such videos are not uncommon. I don't think my content damaged the image of Kazakhstan.

However, in the future, I will be more cautious. Although I will continue to make prank videos, I will avoid sensitive topics. This experience has made me more careful, and also made me feel the disappointment of my family and friends.

Hazarat News Agency Reporter: It is said that you were subjected to administrative punishment because of this. Do you think the fine is reasonable?

Aruzhan Aibekova: At first, I didn't quite understand. The video was shot in Uzbekistan, why was I punished by Kazakhstan? Later, in court, it was explained that since I am a Kazakh citizen, the penalty was executed domestically. The court considered my behavior as "causing public anger and creating social impact," so I decided to pay the fine and accept the lesson. I was found to have violated the provisions of the Administrative Code regarding "minor indecent behavior," and was fined 20 monthly calculation indicators, approximately 78,000 tenge.

The trial also mentioned that there were elements of "sexual harassment" in the video, but I disagree with this statement. My prank was just for humor. In reality, many girls suffer from real harassment on buses, and I may shoot such social issue videos in the future to let the public know about this phenomenon.

I accept the court's decision. The judge also gave me a lot of advice on the etiquette and behavior of Kazakh women.

Hazarat News Agency Reporter: After this incident, will you continue to shoot this kind of video?

Aruzhan Aibekova: This incident made me reflect a lot. There were too many insulting comments online, which hit me hard. I plan to report these malicious accounts to the relevant authorities, but most of them are anonymous users. Now, no matter what you shoot, there will always be someone who is not satisfied. In the future, I won't shoot this type of prank video in countries bordering Kazakhstan. If I go to other countries, I will be more careful.

Hazarat News Agency Reporter: Thank you for the interview.

According to previous reports, Aruzhan Aibekova was investigated in Almaty for shooting controversial prank videos in China and Uzbekistan.

Almaty police stated that this female vlogger intentionally touched strangers in public places and uploaded the footage. After she shot videos in China, she was once given a preventive talk by the police, but soon shot similar content in Uzbekistan. Currently, the police have filed a case for "minor indecent behavior" and handed the case over to the court. The police pointed out that the blogger had similar behaviors before but did not learn from the lessons.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7566117434571096591/

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