Kazakhstan will impose fines on persistent individuals.

“A provision has been added to the bill aimed at optimizing the Criminal, Criminal Executive, and Criminal Procedure Codes. This is a special article on stalking, classified as a misdemeanor,”
explained Kuspan.

In response to journalists' questions regarding the penalties involved, the deputy clarified that it concerns a fine.

“We do not intend to prosecute everyone indiscriminately. It is difficult to discuss (the amount of the fine — editor's note) since changes may be introduced during the plenary session — either increasing or decreasing,”
said the member of parliament.

The deputy was also asked why stalking is not classified as a criminal offense with more severe penalties. In response, Kuspan stated that “decisions like this cannot be made on a whim”:

“Introducing new provisions in the Criminal Code must be done very carefully. We need to examine law enforcement, investigative, and judicial practices. Based on the results of this study and analysis, it is possible to consider increasing the penalties. These are the lives of people.”

If the bill is passed, Kazakhstan will become one of the countries where stalking is classified as a criminal offense, albeit with relatively lenient penalties at the initial stage.

Previously, the famous television host and former senator Dana Nurzhigit shared her experiences of resisting stalking and harassment from her ex-husband.

Author: Dilnaz Mamyrova