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I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

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Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#31

a) Sensationalist headline - something that seems amazing to someone who is not e.g. russian - but the person is actually russian b) Outing the photo of a cute 18 yo girl "who just got raped" Yes - an interesting story - but this is extreme clickbait likely for profit. And problematic in other dimensions. This guy is an opportunist who does not seem to care about other people.

Yeah, absurd that people are glossing over the fact that he outed (with photos for chrissakes) a rape victim.

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#32
Great story!

5 years ago we went on a Mongol Rally. Driving European vehicle through the Stans makes you easy prey for local policeman. My co-driver had a strategy of befriending them and sharing small gifts (pens, lighters etc.). Most expensive were Tajik GBAO guards, they got headlamps. During my shifts I had 2 encounters but played dumb, even though I'm native in similar language and could communicate. No bribes given. :)

Had a great time in Semey, KZ and later across the border in Barnaul. Must go back some day, driving, of course:). If you love big skies of US west, you'll be in heaven in Kazakhstan.

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#33
post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I haven't found the same to be the case. Being able to speak the local language and to be able to portray yourself as "local boy made good" seems to bring out something in people where they want to root for you.

Yeah, I think it can go either way. I've had a few situations in Russia where speaking the language evoked "You idiot. You should know better and let me set you straight." while speaking English evoked "Stupid American. Here's how we fix it."

Yes, on this trip I had many Police encounters. Most of the time, the best course of action was to feign ignorance and speak very loudly and excitedly in English, "Good Morning Officer!" and just keep repeating that and smiling. Then they would give up on you and move on to easier targets. I tried that at first here, but then changed tactics.

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#34
post #31

a) Sensationalist headline - something that seems amazing to someone who is not e.g. russian - but the person is actually russian b) Outing the photo of a cute 18 yo girl "who just got raped" Yes - an interesting story - but this is extreme clickbait likely for profit. And problematic in other dimensions. This guy is an opportunist who does not seem to care about other people.

Yeah, absurd that people are glossing over the fact that he outed (with photos for chrissakes) a rape victim.

She asked him to take photos (unless he's lying). While not stated, there's a good chance he asked her if he could post them online.

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#36

a) Sensationalist headline - something that seems amazing to someone who is not e.g. russian - but the person is actually russian b) Outing the photo of a cute 18 yo girl "who just got raped" Yes - an interesting story - but this is extreme clickbait likely for profit. And problematic in other dimensions. This guy is an opportunist who does not seem to care about other people.

A) This was a pretty unusual experience for me. And I think it is unusual for the readers.

B) I can see your point. She did ask me to take photos and to tell her story. I have not been in touch with her in a while. I will deliberate for a bit and consider taking down her photos.

There is no profit motive. I am not paid for this story.

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#38

Is that picture going to get Irlan in trouble ?

I was wondering the same thing. Hopefully the wrong people never find it. It's no wonder they didn't want him sharing their picture, I hope he changed the actual names.

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#39
post #35

Can anyone tell me what this means? > ...in another ten years, you will see, we’ll be living like Arabs.

The future of Kazakhstan is highly unstable. The current slightly benevolent dictator has no good processor and the development of Kazakhstan is mostly dependent of oil, so when renewable energy becomes the norm and rhe president dies in the coming ten years the country will probably implode.

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#40
post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

John MacAfee has a great guide. Context is important. You need to know the situation, you have to be situationally aware. You can't just start showing money (maybe alcohol or other "currency" depending on their penchants are more apt). You have to know a bit about the locals. See http://www.whoismcafee.com/the-travel-guide/

Serious question: given how ... unstable ... McAfee seems to be, how reliable is this guide?

Is McAfee that unstable?

Like I understand that he has done a lot of crazy drug addled things but I don't think that necessarily means that he is stupid or insane.

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