Translated with AI
The Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved amendments to the Criminal Code at a plenary session in the second reading, providing for criminal liability for forced marriage. This was reported by the press service of the lower house of parliament.
According to the new Article 125-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, forced marriage is punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 monthly calculation indices (MCI), which is about 7.8 million tenge, to imprisonment for a term of two to ten years. The punishment will depend on the nature and severity of the crime committed.
In cases where coercion was accompanied by violent actions, was committed against a minor, by a group of people or using official position, a tougher sanction is provided – up to seven years of imprisonment. If serious consequences occur, the perpetrators face up to ten years of imprisonment.
In addition, within the framework of the approved amendments to the Criminal Code, criminal liability was introduced for stalking – obsessive pursuit of another person. A fine or administrative arrest for up to 50 days is provided for such actions. At the same time, as the deputies noted, the victim only needs to file a report with the police – further investigation is carried out by law enforcement agencies.
The measures taken were a response to long-standing appeals from human rights organizations and activists. In March of this year, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, particularly noted the need to adopt tough legislative measures to combat the practice of bride kidnapping, calling it "blatant obscurantism."
The amendments to the Criminal Code are aimed at strengthening the legal protection of citizens, especially women and minors, from violent and discriminatory practices.
