First Stalking Case Opened in Atyrau Region Under New Criminal Code

The Atyrau region has become the first region in Kazakhstan to apply the new stalking article of the Criminal Code in criminal proceedings, an Orda.kz correspondent reports.

The case involves a resident of the Kurmangazy District who, at night, entered a woman’s yard, approached her window, and committed indecent acts. Initially, the incident was treated as petty hooliganism, and the administrative court sentenced him to 60 hours of community service.

Later, the victim submitted surveillance footage, which led to the case being reclassified under Article 115-1 of the Criminal Code – “Stalking.”

After the story became public, it emerged that the same man had repeatedly appeared at the homes of other women. Although he had not physically assaulted anyone, police found evidence of systematic stalking.

Now, the suspect faces a harsher punishment: up to 200 hours of community service, a substantial fine, or arrest for up to 50 days.

The regional police confirmed the case:

As of today, one criminal case related to stalking has been registered in the region. This relates to an incident that occurred on September 20 in the Kurmangazy District. Initially, the administrative court sentenced the offender to 60 hours of community service, but after evidence was presented, the case was reclassified as a criminal case. An investigation is currently underway.

The stalking article officially came into force in Kazakhstan on August 20, after the President signed it into law on July 16 as part of the “Law and Order” concept.

It is designed to prevent such crimes.

Original Author: Daniel Arturov