Astana, Dec 11 (EFE).- Kazakhstan, the largest country in Central Asia, is moving toward criminalizing the tradition of ‘bride kidnapping,’ a practice that continues to persist in some regions. Ombudsman Artur Lastaev emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue in an interview with EFE, revealing ongoing efforts to amend the Criminal Code.
Legislative Efforts to End Bride Kidnapping
Since July 2023, Lastaev’s office has been working with experts and lawyers to push forward legislation aimed at criminalizing bride kidnapping. Under current laws, perpetrators can avoid criminal liability if the kidnapped individual is released unharmed.
Lastaev highlighted the complexities of addressing this practice, which remains relatively common in parts of Asia and the Caucasus. In some cases, the act is tacitly approved by the victims themselves, further complicating efforts to eradicate it.
“In some cases of bride kidnapping, there is no criminal intent, and the goal is to start a family. If a girl willingly elopes with a boy, the benefit for the groom is not having to pay a dowry to the bride’s parents,” Lastaev explained.
However, he emphasized that when the kidnapped woman is forced into marriage against her will or becomes a victim of sexual violence, perpetrators must face criminal punishment.
Rising Awareness and Political Momentum
Lawmaker Murat Abenov reported that during the first eight months of this year alone, 18 cases of bride kidnapping were documented in just one region of Kazakhstan. Abenov called for not only amending the Criminal Code but also raising public awareness about the issue.
“We are a modern society living in the 21st century. Women cannot be stolen, their rights trampled on. We must put an end to this. I believe we need to amend the Criminal Code and toughen penalties for these crimes,” Abenov insisted.
The push to criminalize bride kidnapping gained momentum after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev publicly denounced the practice in March. “A glaring anachronism such as the abduction of women cannot be justified. It goes against the ideals of a progressive society where dignity, rights, and freedoms are absolute values,” the president stated.
Recent Progress in Protecting Women’s Rights
Kazakhstan has recently taken significant steps to protect women’s rights. In April, the country passed its first law specifically aimed at combating domestic violence, known as the “Saltanat Law.” The legislation was enacted following a high-profile trial involving a former minister who murdered his wife, a case that drew widespread public attention.
The European Union’s ambassador to Kazakhstan, Aleska Simkic, praised the country’s progress in human rights protections. However, she noted that certain issues remain “pending” and reaffirmed the EU’s readiness to collaborate with Kazakhstan to resolve them. EFE