At the 20th plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, a law aimed at protecting children from all forms of violence was discussed and approved.
The law introduces a number of amendments and additions to the Criminal, Criminal Procedure, Criminal Executive, Administrative Responsibility, and Labor Codes.
In particular, a punishment of up to 25 years or life imprisonment is being introduced for persons who commit sexual violence against children under 14.
For such crimes, statutes of limitations for prosecution and execution of sentence shall not apply.
Also, the application of a suspended sentence and early conditional release is prohibited with respect to a person who has committed an intentional crime that caused the death of a child.
In order to protect children who have suffered from violence from re-traumatization, the process of their questioning is being recorded on video.
A confrontation between the victim child and the accused shall be conducted only on the basis of a decision of an inquiry officer, investigator, or prosecutor, or a court ruling.
In addition, a system of providing a child with a free lawyer at the expense of the state from the initial stage of the procedural process is being introduced.
In cases where violence is committed against a child by employees of educational and upbringing institutions, a legal basis will also be created for terminating the employment contract with them.
Also, administrative liability will be strengthened for parents' failure to provide adequate care for children, sexual harassment, violation of the marriage age, and failure to protect children from information harmful to their health.
At the end of the discussion, members of the Senate approved the law.
