Plans to Criminalize Bride Kidnapping in Kazakhstan

The Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman in Kazakhstan has initiated changes to the criminal legislation aimed at preventing bride kidnapping. This was reported by Interfax, referencing a statement from the ombudsman's office.

Human rights defenders believe that the legislative initiative will have a preventive effect and help reduce illegal actions against women.

Additionally, it is proposed to remove the provision in Article 125 (kidnapping) from the current legislation, which exempts an individual from criminal liability if the victim voluntarily releases themselves.

"The General Prosecutor's Office has supported the ombudsman's proposal, and the changes will be introduced during legislative activity," the statement notes.

It is also mentioned that the practice of abducting girls for the purpose of marriage remains widespread in Kazakhstan, particularly in the southern regions. In many cases, such actions lead to violations of sexual integrity, humiliation, illegal detention, and even suicides.

"The situation is complicated by the fact that these incidents are mainly kept secret due to existing stereotypes that prevent women from reporting such coercive measures. In many cases, young people are not even aware of the criminal liability associated with these acts. Few realize that it is a serious crime involving gross violations of human rights concerning personal integrity and freedom," the information states.

An analysis of criminal offenses related to kidnapping has shown that 214 criminal offenses in this category have been recorded from 2019 to the present. At the same time, the statement indicates that there are no reliable statistical data on the abduction of girls for marriage, as the Criminal Code does not specify a separate criminal act for such offenses.