Kazakhstan: Crime Prevention Laws Expanded, Harassment and Stalking Left Out

Kazakhstan is set to strengthen its crime prevention framework with a new bill presented in the Majilis, but proposals to criminalize harassment and stalking were left out, Orda.kz reports.

The draft law, On the Prevention of Offenses, was introduced by Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Lepekha. It aims to modernize the current system to better address contemporary threats and improve overall effectiveness.

The updated framework divides preventive measures into three levels:

• General: aimed at the broader public
• Individual: targeting specific individuals and families
• Special: focused on certain offenses such as domestic violence or repeat offenses

More Institutions Involved

The number of agencies involved in prevention efforts will double, from 13 to 26. In addition to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Education, the list now includes media organizations, employment centers, healthcare institutions, and the ombudsman’s office.

Examples of expanded responsibilities:

• Doctors will assist individuals with addictions such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and gambling
• Employment services will support people facing difficult life circumstances
• Media outlets will contribute to public legal education

Local akims will gain broader powers, including:

• Coordinating interagency prevention efforts
• Working directly with vulnerable families
• Creating interdepartmental commissions

Maslikhats will now monitor how prevention funds are spent and receive formal reports.

Several new tools for monitoring and responding to offenses are being introduced:

1. Official warning letters to demand an end to antisocial behavior
2. Digital family maps to identify and support at-risk families
3. Pedagogical monitoring of teenagers in schools who may be at risk
4. Restraining orders to protect victims of certain offenses

Law enforcement will also be able to involve public assistants more actively. Their roles will expand from patrolling to supporting public events and providing legal education. Volunteers may be recognized with official gratitude, awards, and even state honors.

New administrative penalties will be introduced for:

• Sharing illegal content
• Failing to comply with official warnings or instructions from government bodies

Original Author: Ilya Astakhov