New Law - The Times Of Central Asia

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Marriage Law

Uzbekistan Proposes Ban on Marriages Between Relatives

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Justice has drafted legislation that would ban marriages between distant blood relatives, including unions between uncles and nieces, aunts and nephews, and cousins up to the third degree, UzNews.uz reported. The proposed penalties for violating the ban include fines or correctional labor of up to two years. Exceptions would apply only in cases where one of the prospective spouses is an adopted child and no biological relationship exists. Under current law, Uzbekistan’s Family Code prohibits marriages between close blood relatives in a direct ascending or descending line, as well as between full and half-siblings and between adoptive parents and adopted children. The proposal follows alarming findings from a recent study highlighting the genetic risks associated with consanguineous marriages. According to Zamin.uz, researchers from the Center for Advanced Technologies have identified dozens of new genetic mutations in Uzbek individuals. The study revealed that every second child tested carried a hereditary mutation, and nearly 86% of children were found to be carriers of at least one damaged gene, twice the international average. Researchers attribute this trend to the high prevalence of kinship marriages, which in some Uzbek regions account for roughly one-quarter of all unions. Experts warn that these genetic anomalies not only increase the likelihood of hereditary disorders but also elevate the risks of diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer. The study's authors strongly recommend introducing genetic testing for couples prior to marriage as a public health measure.

Human Trafficking

Dozens of Human Trafficking Attempts Prevented in Kazakhstan

Kazakh law enforcement agencies have disrupted dozens of serious human trafficking attempts during the nationwide STOP-Traffic operational and preventive campaign, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The ministry reported 39 recorded cases of attempted human trafficking, including six involving minors. In Almaty, authorities dismantled a criminal group engaged in the illegal sale of newborns. According to investigators, the suspects exploited vulnerable young women by persuading them to give up their babies in exchange for money. More than 20 criminal cases have been opened, and all suspects have been detained. If convicted, they face up to 18 years in prison and confiscation of property. In the Abai Region, law enforcement uncovered forced labor operations involving local citizens. Eleven criminal cases have been initiated, and the case files are being prepared for court proceedings, the ministry said. Routine inspections of nightlife venues in several regions, including Shymkent, Zhambyl, Aktobe, West Kazakhstan, Karaganda, and Kostanay, also led to the prevention of exploitative practices involving both adults and minors. In Astana, police and prosecutors conducted targeted raids near the city’s railway station on Goethe Street. Eight individuals are currently under prosecution for organizing and operating brothels for sexual exploitation. Meanwhile, in the Akmola Region, the activities of a religious group operating a so-called “spiritual center” were halted. Law enforcement seized religious literature, ceremonial items, and ritual objects. Expert examinations have been ordered, and the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities also documented the operations of “elite escort” services in Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent. The organizers allegedly recruited young women from nightclubs and bars. Related criminal cases have been submitted to court on charges of organizing prostitution. In the first half of 2025, Kazakhstan recorded 134 crimes related to human trafficking. This comes amid the implementation of a new national law on combating human trafficking, which took effect in 2024. The law was developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs with technical support from the International Organization for Migration.

Crime

Kazakhstan Introduces Criminal Liability for Stalking

For the first time, Kazakhstan has established criminal liability for stalking at the legislative level, according to the General Prosecutor’s Office. New Article in the Criminal Code On July 16, 2025, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a law amending the Criminal Code to include Article 115-1, titled “Stalking.” The article defines stalking as the unlawful pursuit of an individual through persistent attempts to establish contact or conduct surveillance against their will, causing significant harm but without the use of physical violence. Punishments include a fine of up to 200 monthly calculation indices (MCI), up to 200 hours of community service, or arrest for up to 50 days. If stalking involves threats, blackmail, or invasion of privacy, it may be prosecuted under other provisions of the Criminal Code. “The purpose of introducing this liability is to protect victims at an early stage and to establish zero tolerance for violent and aggressive behavior,” the Prosecutor General’s Office stated. From Proposal to Law The idea to criminalize stalking was first raised in 2023 during a coordination council meeting at the Prosecutor General’s Office. Marat Abishev, head of the Service for the Protection of Public Interests, highlighted the growing prevalence of obsessive harassment, particularly targeting women. “Women are increasingly faced with the phenomenon of stalking, that is, obsessive persecution,” he said. Abishev noted that many countries, including Germany, the US, Canada, the UK, Norway, Poland, Moldova, the Netherlands, and India, have long established criminal penalties for stalking. In contrast, Kazakhstan lacked even administrative regulation until now. Abishev initially proposed studying the issue and introducing relevant amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses. However, the country has since taken a stronger stance by enacting full criminal liability. The General Prosecutor’s Office urges citizens not to ignore signs of stalking. “In such situations, it is necessary to immediately contact the internal affairs authorities,” the agency advised. How to Identify Stalking In an interview with MIR24.TV, lawyer Artem Baghdasaryan explained that under the new Kazakh legislation, stalking involves intrusive, repeated attempts to contact or monitor a person against their will, resulting in significant psychological or personal harm but without physical violence. He emphasized that stalking is defined by systematic behavior rather than isolated incidents. Key indicators include: Continuous surveillance near the victim’s home or in public Frequent phone calls, text messages, or unwanted social media interactions Collecting personal data without consent, such as routes or contacts Lurking in public places frequented by the victim Internationally, this list often includes online harassment and the sending of unsolicited gifts. Comparison with International Practice Many Western countries have recognized stalking as a criminal offense since the 1990s, with laws in the US, UK, and Germany carrying prison terms for offenders. In contrast, Russia has not yet adopted a separate criminal statute. There, lawmakers have proposed a phased approach: beginning with administrative liability and restraining orders, followed by criminal prosecution for repeat offenses. “While Kazakhstan has taken a decisive step by introducing a criminal article right away, Russia is moving toward gradual...

Domestic Violence

‘Saltanat’s Law’: Have the Lives of Kazakhstani Women Changed?

One year ago, on April 15, 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a landmark package of legislative amendments aimed at addressing domestic violence in Kazakhstan. Quickly dubbed 'Saltanat's Law' by the public, the reforms are seen as honoring the memory of 31-year-old Saltanat Nukenova, who was brutally murdered by former Minister of the Economy, Kuandyk Bishimbayev. First Results: Statistics, Challenges, and New Realities Nukenova’s death and the viral public outcry under the hashtags #SupportSaltanat and #LifeImprisonment, catapulted domestic violence from the policy periphery to a national priority, prompting Parliament to pass amendments within weeks. The legislation reinstated criminal liability for battery and minor bodily harm, introduced penalties for repeat offenses within a year, prohibited reconciliation in cases involving minors, and instituted life sentences for murder and sexual violence against children. The law came into force on June 16, 2024. One year on, activists say there is enough data to evaluate early outcomes. Crucially, advocates note that the law has empowered women with legal language: for the first time, they can cite specific criminal statutes rather than relying solely on moral appeals. Yet, infrastructure has lagged. At the time of the legislation's adoption, there were 49 crisis centers nationwide; by mid-2025, that number had grown to 69. Still, 85% of districts lack access to shelters. With a population exceeding 1.2 million, Shymkent has only one center despite receiving 11,000 violence-related complaints. The Abay and Kyzylorda regions have none. Funding remains precarious: this spring, the Turkestan region’s largest center nearly closed due to unpaid utility bills. While international organizations provide training and grants, a stable government funding mechanism is still absent. Voices from Across Kazakhstan The Times of Central Asia spoke with women from various cities to gauge how the law has impacted daily life and their perceptions of safety. Kamilla, 21, a barista in Almaty, has observed a subtle shift: “Men have become more cautious, especially older ones. Bosses who used to make threatening or derogatory comments are more restrained now. They fear imprisonment, not just a fine. Still, I’m not confident the police would take my side. Many people still say, ‘It’s your own fault.’ But among my friends, few would ever justify violence. That’s already progress.” Madina, 19, a student from Taraz, sees increased online engagement: “Now, when someone shares their story, it goes viral," she told TCA. "People comment, repost, and demand justice. But on the ground, in the neighborhoods, little has changed. Women are still afraid. There’s nowhere to go, and often no family support.” Gulnara, 39, an accountant in Astana, recalls a neighbor’s silence: “She was often beaten. We offered help, but she waved us off. She didn’t want ‘to air dirty laundry.’ It’s not just about laws, it’s about mentality. Many still see the law as distant, irrelevant to their own lives.” Dana, 27, a makeup artist in Kostanay, says the law offers emotional support: “When it passed, we felt heard. But we know it’s just a beginning," she told TCA. "Young people are more outspoken...

Domestic Violence

Kazakhstan’s Domestic Violence Law Brings Progress Amid Ongoing Challenges

Crimes against women and children have declined over the past year in Kazakhstan, a trend attributed to a sweeping new law on domestic violence. Despite these gains, authorities caution that women and children remain at significant risk from abuse. Persistent Challenge On June 16, 2024, Kazakhstan's Law on Ensuring the Rights of Women and the Safety of Children came into force, having been signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev two months earlier. Since the outset of his presidency, Tokayev has identified combating domestic violence as a top policy priority. Children’s Ombudsman Dinara Zakieva reported that roughly 900 crimes against the sexual integrity of minors are recorded annually. Since the law’s enactment, at least 25 individuals convicted of sexual violence against children have received life sentences. Meanwhile, according to Marat Abishev of the General Prosecutor’s Office, at least 80 women die from domestic violence each year. Law enforcement officials stress that official statistics significantly underreport the true extent of domestic abuse. Surveys suggest that one in three women in Kazakhstan has experienced physical violence, threats, or psychological pressure. The new law has introduced tougher criminal penalties for domestic abuse, as well as protective and preventative mechanisms. Amendments to the Criminal Code now bar lenient sentences for crimes involving violence against minors and prohibit reconciliation between victims and perpetrators in such cases. The sole punishment for the murder or rape of a minor is now life imprisonment. The law also establishes liability for the sexual harassment of persons under 16 and introduces penalties for inciting or abetting suicide. Initial Results State Secretary Yerlan Karin recently shared data showing early progress under the new legislation. In the first five months of 2025, reports of domestic violence dropped by 20.5% compared to the same period in 2024. The number of serious domestic crimes fell by 29%, while particularly serious offenses declined by 44%. Crimes against the sexual integrity of minors decreased by 21.3%, and pedophilia-related offenses dropped by 40.7%. Karin noted that crimes against women have halved over the past five years, crediting stricter penalties and improved prevention efforts for the amelioration. He also highlighted a rise in the detection of domestic violence cases, facilitated by a new mechanism allowing authorities to launch investigations without a complaint from the victim. Between January and May 2025, more than 19,000 such cases were identified through mobile patrol units, police reports, witness statements, and social media monitoring. To improve reporting mechanisms, QR codes for the national 111 contact center are now displayed in schools. This has led to a spike in outreach: in the first five months of 2025, children sent more than 86,000 messages, with over 2,000 seeking help for violence or bullying. In 28 cases, potential suicides were prevented. Adults also placed over 62,000 calls to the center, many concerning domestic violence. Kazakhstan currently operates 20 psychological support centers and family support services in 112 districts and cities. A new prevention initiative, mandatory psychological counseling for aggressors, was introduced this year, with courts ordering 52 individuals...

Intellectual Property Rights

Uzbekistan Strengthens Intellectual Property Protection

Uzbekistan is taking significant steps to enhance intellectual property (IP) protection with a new draft law, which was approved in its first reading by the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis on February 18. The proposed legislation introduces amendments to multiple legal codes, strengthening penalties for copyright violations and industrial property rights infringements. Key changes include: Increased fines for copyright infringement Administrative penalties for violating rights to selection achievements Confiscation of items used in patent-related offenses Expanded judicial powers to inspect and seize counterfeit goods Stricter criminal liability for intellectual property violations Criminal penalties for unauthorized use of trademarks, software, and inventions Mandatory destruction of counterfeit goods at the offender’s expense The law aims to curb counterfeit production, attract foreign investment, and support Uzbekistan’s efforts to join the World Trade Organization. Under Uzbekistan’s Copyright Law, intellectual property rights apply to works by Uzbek citizens, residents, and those first published in the country. Currently, fines for copyright violations range from UZS 375,000 (USD 28.95) to UZS 1.87 million (USD 144.36) for individuals and up to UZS 3.75 million (USD 289.48) for officials. Additionally, the Code of Administrative Responsibility imposes various fines for violations of personal non-property rights related to intellectual property. In neighboring Kazakhstan, copyright or related rights violations under the Criminal Code carry a minimum fine of KZT 295,360 (USD 588.17) as of 2024. More severe offenses can result in imprisonment for three to six years.