The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadir Japarov, proposed reinstating the death penalty for serious crimes committed against women and children at the end of September 2023. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This proposal was made based on the recent serious crimes committed in the country. President Japarov tasked the government with strengthening laws to prevent violence and murders against children, girls, and women.
The proposal envisages applying the death penalty in cases of violence against children or the rape and murder of women. According to the press secretary of the head of state, Askat Alagozov, particular attention was given to the case of a 17-year-old girl who was raped and killed.
The suspect in the crime was arrested in Bishkek, and the president personally took control of the case. The death penalty was put under moratorium in Kyrgyzstan in 1998 and completely abolished in 2007.
Life imprisonment replaced the death penalty. Nevertheless, courts have sometimes continued to apply the death penalty.
In 2010, Kyrgyzstan ratified a protocol prohibiting the death penalty in accordance with international obligations. If a decision is made to reintroduce the death penalty, amendments to the Constitution and a referendum will be necessary.
President Japarov emphasized that crimes should not go unpunished and demands additional measures to strictly punish criminals and ensure fair trials. This initiative could lead Kyrgyz society to a new stage in combating serious crimes.
At the same time, the decision to reinstate the death penalty may cause issues related to the country's supreme court and international politics.
