In Kazakhstan, forced marriage is now criminalized
Previously, the thief who voluntarily released the victim could have avoided responsibility.
Criminal liability for forced marriage has been introduced in Kazakhstan since September 16, Tengrinews reports.
One of the key changes was the removal of the note to Article 125 (Forced Marriage) of the country’s Criminal Code. Previously, a kidnapper who voluntarily released his victim could avoid criminal punishment. Now the guilty will be punished regardless of their subsequent actions.
Depending on the circumstances, the punishment may include a fine, corrective or community service, restriction or imprisonment for up to two years. If the crime resulted in serious consequences due to negligence, the punishment will be from five to ten years of imprisonment.
More stringent measures are provided if the coercion was accompanied by violence. Also, the punishment is harsher if the crime concerns minors, is committed by a group of persons, using their official position or the victim’s dependence.
Recall that in Tashkent, several men kidnapped a girl right on the street. During the crime, the organizer sat behind the wheel to avoid appearing on camera. The victim said this was not the first case. Also, after that incident, scars remained on her body, and she regularly experiences dizziness due to a blow to her head.
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