Criminal Executive Code - The Times Of Central Asia

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Kyrgyzstan Strengthens Fight Against Corruption

Kyrgyzstan’s president, Sadyr Japarov, has signed a new law to intensify the fight against corruption by introducing tougher penalties for offenders and eliminating opportunities for them to avoid imprisonment. Under the new legislation, individuals convicted of corruption will no longer be able to pay fines or compensate the state for damages in exchange for avoiding prison sentences. Instead, they will be required to serve a mandatory prison term - even if they confess to their crimes. The new law amends Article 79 of Kyrgyzstan’s Criminal Code by adding Part 1/1. According to this amendment: Offenders who plead guilty and fully compensate the material damage caused to the state for crimes listed under Articles 336-348 (corruption and other offenses against state and municipal interests) must receive a prison sentence. The sentence will be no less than half the minimum term prescribed under the relevant criminal article. Additionally, corrupt individuals will be permanently barred from holding state or municipal positions, regardless of whether their criminal record is later expunged. This law signals Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to eradicating corruption within state structures. Authorities believe it will create the necessary mechanisms to deter corrupt activities and hold offenders accountable. One of the country’s most high-profile corruption cases involved former customs officer and oligarch Raimbek Matraimov, nicknamed “Million.” As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Matraimov avoided imprisonment by paying over $200 million to the state, sparking public outrage over leniency in sentencing. The new law addresses such loopholes, ensuring that financial restitution alone will no longer suffice to escape imprisonment. This reform underscores Kyrgyzstan’s broader efforts to strengthen governance, restore public trust, and ensure accountability at all levels of government.

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Uzbekistan Moves to Penalize Financing of Mass Disturbances

Uzbekistan’s Parliament, the Oliy Majlis, is taking decisive steps to address the organization and financing of public disturbances. On December 11, the Legislative Chamber approved a draft law amending Article 244 of the Criminal Code. Passed in its first reading, the amendments aim to strengthen the country’s legal framework for tackling mass disturbances. During a parliamentary session on December 24, the draft law advanced further, reaching its third reading and gaining adoption. The updated Article 244 introduces several significant changes: A new third section establishes specific liability for individuals undergoing training with the intent to participate in mass disturbances. A fourth section introduces fines for financing such activities. A fifth section provides an exemption from criminal liability for individuals who voluntarily report to law enforcement after undergoing such training. These amendments are designed to deter organized disturbances while promoting cooperation with authorities.

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Activist in Exile: Tajikistan Pressures Family Over Political Dissent

Mahmadsobir Abdukakhor, an activist associated with the banned Group 24 in Tajikistan, has accused law enforcement agencies in the Rasht District of pressuring his family. According to Abdukahkhor, authorities are demanding that his relatives persuade him to renounce his political activities and return to Tajikistan. “They came to my parents and brother, demanding that they convince me to return and ask for forgiveness from the authorities. But my parents are not responsible for my actions,” Abdukahkhor told Radio Ozodi on December 16. Abdukahkhor stated that such tactics are not new but reaffirmed that he would not stop his political activities or “repent,” as he does not trust the authorities’ assurances. “If I go back, I will either be killed like Umarali Kuwwatov or arrested like Sukhrob Zafar,” he said, referring to other opposition figures. Attempts by Radio Ozodi to obtain comments from Rasht District law enforcement agencies were unsuccessful. Tajik authorities have placed Mahmadsobir Abdukahkhor and other members of Group 24 — a political movement recognized as an extremist organization and banned in the country — on a wanted list. Abdukahkhor initially moved to Russia in 2012, where he ran a business and became involved in the movement before relocating to Europe. In 2014, Tajikistan amended its Criminal Code, allowing individuals accused of extremism to be exonerated if they return and “sincerely repent.” President Emomali Rahmon instructed law enforcement agencies to facilitate the return of such citizens. However, human rights activists claim that despite promises of amnesty, some returnees — including former members of ISIS and the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan (IRP) — were subsequently arrested and imprisoned.

Criminal Executive Code Law and Order Parliament Legislation

Uzbekistan Strengthens Criminal Penalties for Organising Mass Disturbances

On December 11, Uzbekistan's Parliament, the Oliy Majlis, adopted a draft law amending Article 244 of the Criminal Code, which addresses mass riots. The amendments, passed in the first reading, aim to strengthen legal measures against organizing or financing mass disturbances. Deputy Prosecutor General Svetlana Artikova explained the rationale behind the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals, society, and the state during turbulent times. “Is there criminal liability for training aimed at organizing mass disturbances or preparing weapons, explosives, or special devices for such purposes? In our opinion, there is,” Artikova stated. She highlighted that such actions threaten public safety and stability, warranting criminal accountability. The draft law introduces two new provisions - parts 3 and 4 of Article 244 - focused on addressing these threats. Financing the organization of mass riots will also be explicitly recognized as a crime. According to Artikova, the amendments aim to safeguard the country’s peace and stability, serving as a preventive measure rather than an act of retribution. “Whether online or offline, participating in such ‘training’ is about destroying our way of life,” she remarked. The proposed amendments will not require extra funding from the state budget. The draft law has already been reviewed and approved by key government entities, including the Supreme Court, the State Security Service, and the Ministries of Economy and Finance, Internal Affairs, and Justice. Details regarding the specific penalties for these offenses were not disclosed by the prosecutor’s office.

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Kyrgyz Health Ministry Pushes for Laws to Shield Medics from Violence

The Kyrgyz Ministry of Health has called for amendments to the country’s criminal code to establish a legal framework protecting medical professionals from violence by citizens. The proposed measures aim to address a growing concern for the safety of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. “Violence against medical workers is a serious problem that requires immediate action,” the ministry stated in its justification for the bill. “Doctors, nurses, and other staff face physical aggression from patients, relatives, or even bystanders. This threatens the health and lives of medical personnel and disrupts the normal functioning of healthcare institutions.” The ministry emphasized that threats or acts of physical harm create a stressful work environment, distract medical workers from their duties, and may lead to errors in diagnosing and treating patients. Proposed Penalties The Ministry of Health outlined specific punishments for various forms of violence and disrespect toward medical workers: • Minor harm: A fine of up to 100,000 KGS ($1,200), correctional labor for six months to one year, or deprivation of the right to hold certain positions. • Severe harm: A fine or imprisonment for one to three years. Additionally, the ministry seeks penalties for disrespectful or insulting behavior toward doctors. This includes demonstrating obscene gestures, verbal abuse, or indecent conduct, which could also result in fines or correctional labor. Growing Concerns Healthcare workers in Kyrgyzstan have long faced violence in their workplaces. After several incidents of attacks on doctors by patients and their relatives, the National Hospital implemented stricter security measures, including the installation of panic buttons and video surveillance cameras. Medical professionals have voiced the need for stronger protections to ensure a safer working environment. The proposed amendments aim to deter violence and foster greater respect for those who provide critical healthcare services.

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Kazakhstan Proposes Lowering Age of Criminal Responsibility

Kazakhstan has proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility Leading the initiative at a plenary session, Mazhilis Deputy Magerram Magerramov emphasized, “We, legislators, should probably revise the age of criminal responsibility threshold for some crimes, establishing responsibility not from 14, but from 12 years old, for example, in cases of rape." Magerramov drew attention to unsafe conditions in schools, citing cases of violence and murder committed by minors. In his opinion, bullying, and romanticizing banditry within the school environment create the basis for violence that continues in the army. The deputy also stressed the lack of a social protection system and called for strengthening educators' roles in preventing schoolchildren's destructive behavior. To this end, he recommended a revision of current approaches to the prevention of criminal behavior among teenagers in tandem with increased attention to moral and ethical education. Magerramov noted that Kazakhstan needs a comprehensive approach by authorized bodies to solving these problems as well as a revision of the current system which allows juvenile offenders to avoid punishment because of their age. In June 2024, a new law came into force in Kazakhstan, which introduced liability for bullying and cyberbullying of minors. However, the deputy believes that additional measures are needed to combat juvenile violence. The age of criminal responsibility varies from country to country. In Japan, Ireland, and Morocco, children can be held responsible for crimes from the age of twelve. In India, the minimum age of responsibility is set at 12, with the caveat that for serious offenses such as murder or rape, the court may take into account the child's conscious actions.