Up to Life Imprisonment: Senate Approves Law to Strengthen Child Protection
For certain crimes against the sexual inviolability of children under 14, punishment of up to life imprisonment is provided. The law also introduces free legal assistance for children and new rules for investigative actions.
On October 2, at a plenary session, the Senate of the Oliy Majlis approved a law on improving the system of protecting children from all forms of violence.
For the rape of a child under 14, as well as for satisfying sexual needs in an unnatural form with the use of violence against them, imprisonment for up to 25 years or life is provided.
For particularly serious crimes against the sexual inviolability of children, the statute of limitations for prosecution and the execution of sentences will not apply.
For intentional crimes resulting in the death of a child, suspended sentences and early conditional release from punishment are prohibited.
Children who become victims or witnesses of sexual violence will be provided with free qualified legal assistance at the state's expense from the first minutes of their involvement in procedural actions.
Interrogations of minors who have suffered from violence will be recorded on video. Special procedures will be established for confrontations between a child and a suspect, accused, or defendant. A confrontation between a child victim and the accused may only be conducted by decision of an investigator, prosecutor, or court ruling.
If the violence was committed by a family member or close relative, a representative of the guardianship and trusteeship authority must participate in procedural actions.
Prosecution for violence against a child will serve as grounds for termination of an employment contract at the employer's initiative with an employee of an educational organization who is responsible for the upbringing and education of children. Such individuals will also face restrictions on further work with children. The law strengthens administrative responsibility for parents' failure to fulfill their duties of care for children, intentional neglect of their basic needs, violation of legislation on marriageable age, and failure to protect children from information harmful to their health.
At their request, women and children who have suffered harassment or violence will not be sent written or electronic responses to their place of residence. This measure aims to prevent the escalation of family conflicts and repeated violence.
