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Human Trafficking

Tajikistan Improves Ranking in U.S. Human Trafficking Report

Tajikistan has improved its standing in the U.S. State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, moving up from the Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 2. This designation means the country still does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking under U.S. legislation, but is making significant efforts to comply. According to the report, released on the State Department’s official website, Tajikistan’s progress reflects expanded anti-trafficking efforts in 2024. Authorities initiated 57 criminal cases related to human trafficking, down slightly from 60 in 2023 but the number of identified victims surged from 47 to 272. Of these, 238 were victims of forced labor, and 34 were victims of sexual exploitation. In the first half of 2025 alone, Tajik law enforcement registered 39 new cases, including five involving the sale of children. Tajikistan’s shift to Tier 2 signals a positive trajectory. However, the report notes persistent shortcomings. Authorities, for instance, often fail to clearly distinguish between labor exploitation and sexual violence, frequently conflating these with irregular migration or illegal adoption cases. Despite an official ban, the report highlights that schoolchildren and university students in Tajikistan continue to be mobilized for cotton harvesting under the guise of “hashar” or community work days. The TIP Report also raises concerns about coercive recruitment tactics used in military conscription, though it does not elaborate on specific methods. Refugees and stateless individuals are another focus of concern. According to the report, some citizens of Afghanistan and Bangladesh have been subjected to forced labor at construction sites in Tajikistan. U.S. estimates indicate that more than 12,000 refugees and asylum seekers live in the country, the majority of whom are Afghan nationals. Tajikistan’s Criminal Code criminalizes human trafficking-related offenses such as kidnapping, trafficking in persons, the sale of minors, and the use of children in the production of pornography. It also covers crimes such as organizing illegal migration, forging documents, and misusing official seals and stamps. While the U.S. report acknowledges improvements in victim identification and data collection, it emphasizes that Tajikistan must strengthen victim protection measures, improve transparency in investigations and expand its prevention strategies to continue advancing in the global anti-trafficking effort.

Children's Rights

Tajikistan Teacher-Student Assault Case Referred to Court

The case of a teacher accused of assaulting a student, which sparked significant public debate in Tajikistan, has been formally referred to court. The Ministry of Education and Science has stated it will not abandon the teacher and will continue to monitor developments closely. The criminal case involves Farkhod Nazarov, a teacher accused of slapping an 11th-grade student. The case has been transferred to the Levakant City Court. In an interview with Asia-Plus, Nazarov confirmed that he has reviewed the case materials at the prosecutor’s office. “They gave me the case file, and I read it. The sequence of events was laid out clearly, and the staff were professional. They said the case would be sent to court,” Nazarov said. While a court date has not been set, the hearing is expected to take place in November. Nazarov has not yet hired legal representation. Unofficial sources report that the case falls under Article 174 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan, “Failure to fulfill obligations to educate and raise a minor.” The article carries penalties ranging from a fine of $5,672 to $8,103 or imprisonment for one to two years. “Yes, I admit that I hit the student, but it was not without reason. I simply do not have the means to pay the fine,” Nazarov previously stated. The family of the student involved, Mehmed Bozorov, has not responded to media inquiries and has yet to comment on the case’s transfer to court. The Ministry of Education and Science has confirmed that Minister Rakhim Saidzoda is personally overseeing the case. The ministry emphasized that while it is not interfering in the judicial process, it will continue to support Nazarov. The incident drew national attention after a video surfaced on social media on September 30, showing Bozorov losing consciousness. According to Bozorov, the incident occurred on September 6 at School No. 4 in the village of Bokhturobod. He claims he was struck on the back of the head by the teacher and subsequently hospitalized for two weeks. The Levakant education department has presented a different account, stating that Bozorov had shown disrespect, provoking an emotional reaction from the teacher. The department also reported that no serious injuries were documented. The case has generated widespread public discourse, with many teachers and public figures voicing support for Nazarov and calling for a systemic review of student-teacher relations in Tajikistan’s schools.

Kazakhstan to Integrate AI into Lawmaking Process

Kazakhstan’s government is preparing to introduce an artificial intelligence–powered assistant to support the development of regulatory legal acts. The intelligent system will analyze international legal practices, monitor developments, and verify that draft laws comply with the Constitution, Vice Minister of Justice Bekbolat Moldabekov announced at a recent briefing. The initiative builds on a broader digitalization agenda already underway at the Ministry of Justice. For instance, an automated legal advisor operates around the clock on the adilet.zan.kz portal, helping to reduce the workload of legal personnel and providing the public with free access to legal information. Since August 2023, the ministry has also operated the Digital Bailiff program, which automatically initiates and processes enforcement proceedings without human intervention. The system has already saved citizens more than $4 million by eliminating fees of up to 25% that were previously charged by private bailiffs. “The next step will be the introduction of a smart assistant that will provide expert support during the drafting of laws,” Moldabekov said. “It will become a full-fledged participant in the rulemaking process, improving the quality, coherence, and legal stability of legislation.” The Digital Bailiff system is expected to be upgraded with AI algorithms to track case progress, notify citizens, and assist with complaints related to enforcement actions. For bailiffs, an intelligent assistant has been launched to monitor deadlines, ensure procedural compliance, and identify errors or inaction. Digital transformation efforts also extend to notarial services. As part of the Digital Notary program, more than 520,000 online services have already been delivered. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan became the first country in Central Asia to appoint a neural network to the board of directors of the state sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna.

Drug Trafficking

Kazakhstan Proposes Cash Rewards for Citizens Who Report Drug Crimes

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs is developing a plan to financially reward citizens who provide information leading to the resolution of drug-related crimes. The initiative was announced by Kuandyk Alzhanov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Combating Drug Crime, during a press conference in Astana. “We are constantly improving legislation related to drug enforcement. Penalties for drug trafficking have been strengthened, and the list of controlled substances is regularly updated,” Alzhanov said. “We are now working with the Prosecutor General’s Office and the National Bank to design a mechanism for converting seized criminal assets into state revenue, and to establish a reward system for citizens who assist in uncovering drug crimes.” Alzhanov noted that regional and city akims of republican significance will now be personally accountable for the drug situation in their jurisdictions. The Ministry has also launched a public testing initiative called Test in Every Home, encouraging Kazakhstani parents to use rapid drug tests to monitor their children. “These tests can identify drug use within minutes and help detect addiction at an early stage,” Alzhanov explained. From January to September 2025, law enforcement agencies seized over 26 tons of narcotics, marking a 35% increase compared to the same period last year. The seizures included more than nine tons of marijuana, over one ton of synthetic drugs, and more than 600 kilograms of hashish. The remainder consisted of raw cannabis plants. Authorities also reported a sharp rise in illicit indoor drug cultivation. In 2025, police shut down 93 illegal greenhouse “phytolaboratories”, a fivefold increase compared to 2024. Alzhanov highlighted tougher penalties for synthetic drug production, including new legislation introduced earlier this year mandating life imprisonment for producers. In 2024, 29 synthetic drug labs were dismantled and 419 kilograms of synthetic drugs were seized. In the first nine months of 2025, authorities closed 12 labs and seized over one ton of synthetic substances, almost three times last year’s amount. These seizures prevented nearly 3 million single doses from entering the illegal market. During the same period, more than 6,000 drug-related offenses were documented, including 1,700 cases of drug sales and 300 cases of large-scale drug storage. Police also dismantled 16 organized criminal groups, three of which operated transnationally. Sixteen group leaders and 60 active members were detained. Authorities also seized roughly 24 tons of chemical substances, including 17 tons of precursors, as well as equipment used in synthetic drug manufacturing. In addition, officials recorded 379 cases of cultivation of narcotic plants, 117 smuggling incidents, and 170 cases of drug-related propaganda. Volunteer-supported raids removed over 25,000 graffiti and online drug resource links, while more than 35,000 bank cards tied to drug trafficking were blocked. Approximately $4.6 million in related funds were frozen. As reported previously by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakh authorities seized about six tons of drugs in the first half of 2025 and 21 tons over the entire previous year. This year’s escalation in enforcement underscores a marked intensification of the government’s anti-drug efforts.

Crime

Crimes Against Individuals Decrease in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Internal Affairs Yerzhan Sadenov has reported a decline in serious crimes and public offenses for the January-September 2025 period. According to Sadenov, comprehensive measures implemented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs have produced tangible results: overall crime fell by 7%, a reduction of 6,000 cases, compared to the same period in 2024. Declines were recorded across key categories, including murder, grievous bodily harm, robbery, assault, hooliganism, and theft. Offenses committed in streets and other public spaces also decreased. “The main thing is people's safety: fewer crimes against individuals means greater protection for citizens,” the minister said. The ministry also reported progress in dismantling criminal organizations. Over the past nine months, 70 criminal cases have been initiated against organized crime groups, including 13 transnational operations, with 248 individuals brought to justice. Priorities include combating illegal extraction of natural resources and ensuring the security of freight transport. Road safety remains a top concern: more than 26,000 traffic accidents have been recorded so far in 2025, although the number of fatalities has decreased. Meanwhile, efforts to prevent domestic violence have intensified. In the same period, over 70,000 protective orders were issued, and 6,500 women and children were referred to crisis centers. To strengthen crime prevention and response, Sadenov has called for broader implementation of digital tools, the development of operational control centers, and improved crime detection rates. Kazakhstan has also expanded its surveillance infrastructure. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, more than 19,000 AI-enabled CCTV cameras have been installed nationwide, enabling law enforcement to respond more quickly to incidents.

Death Penalty

Kyrgyz Authorities Open Public Debate on Death Penalty Bill

Following a series of high-profile murders and sexual assaults targeting young women, Kyrgyz authorities have initiated a public discussion on the possible reinstatement of the death penalty for convicted murderers and rapists. President Sadyr Japarov proposed the nationwide debate in response to growing public outrage. The president’s office has prepared a draft bill that would allow for the introduction of capital punishment for particularly grave crimes committed against women and children. “Currently, Kyrgyzstan is witnessing an increase in particularly serious crimes against children and women, including rape and murder involving rape, which are causing deep concern to both society and the state,” reads the explanatory note to the document. According to the bill, its primary aim is to protect the lives and health of women and children from violent crimes. The Constitution of Kyrgyzstan identifies life and health as the highest values of the state, while guaranteeing special protection of citizens’ sexual integrity. The authors of the bill also reference the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, adopted by General Assembly Resolution 48/104 on December 20, 1993, which calls on member states to develop legal measures, including criminal and administrative sanctions, to combat physical and sexual violence against women. Statistics from the Prosecutor General’s Office indicate a steady rise in violent crimes in recent years. In 2021, there were 39 murders; 36 of the victims were women and three were children. By 2024, the number had increased to 43 (34 women and nine children). In the first eight months of 2025 alone, 28 people were killed. Official data also show that more than 80 women, most of them minors, are raped each year. A large proportion of such crimes remain unreported or unresolved, as families often avoid publicizing the cases due to stigma and fear of reprisal. The draft legislation proposes reinstating the death penalty only for two categories of crimes: the rape of minors and murders committed in conjunction with rape. “The facts of violence against children and the murder of women accompanied by rape no longer shock society, it is becoming commonplace, and that is alarming,” the bill’s authors stated. Public consultation on the proposal will continue until October 28, with parliamentary consideration scheduled until November 4. Kyrgyzstan formally abolished the death penalty in 2007; the last execution was carried out in 1998. In December 2010, the country ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, committing to the eventual and permanent abolition of capital punishment.