October 28, 2022

Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan adopted a bill on amnesty

Under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Maulen Ashimbayev, a meeting of the Chamber was held, during which deputies considered a number of laws.

According to the press service of the Senate of the Republic of Kazakhstan, senators approved the Law “On Amnesty” initiated by a group of parliamentarians. The norms of the document provide for the release of Kazakhstanis from punishment for criminal offenses and crimes of small and medium gravity. A criminal record is removed from those who have served their sentences for such crimes. For those who have committed grave and especially grave crimes, a reduction in terms is provided: for grave crimes – by three–quarters of the term appointed by the court, and for especially grave crimes – by half. In addition, the Law provides for the re–socialization of released persons – employment, medical care and paperwork. At the same time, persons who have committed torture, terrorists, extremists, repeat offenders and organizers of riots do not fall under the amnesty.

“The adopted law was developed on behalf of the Head of State. The law provides for the release of Kazakhstanis from criminal liability and mitigation of punishment for persons who committed criminal offenses related to the riots during the “Tragic January”. In addition, the law specifies the conditions and procedure for the application of amnesty, as well as specific rules for which persons it does not apply. We consider this measure as an act of humanism on the part of society and the state. We hope that such tragic events will never happen again in our country,” said Maulen Ashimbayev.

“According to preliminary calculations, about 1.5 thousand persons fall under the amnesty. To date, out of 1,112 convicted in the January events, only 128 people have been deprived of liberty. After the adoption of the bill, more than 40 convicts will be released from prison, about 50 persons – within the next 6 months. 171 persons who have committed criminal offenses, crimes of small and medium gravity will be released from criminal liability and punishment. At the same time, the final decision on the application of amnesty to convicts will be made by the court individually in respect of each person,” Senator Vladimir Volkov explained.

In addition, the deputies adopted the Law “On ratification of the Agreement on the Principles and Approaches of State Control (Supervision) over compliance with the requirements of the Technical regulations of the Eurasian Economic Union in order to harmonize the legislation of the member States of the Eurasian Economic Union in this area.” The document makes it possible to ensure the harmonization of the legislation of the Member States in this area.

Also during the meeting, the senators voiced their deputy requests.

Amangeldy Tolamisov outlined the problems of the development of winter sports in the Zhetysu region, pointing out the need to update the appropriate infrastructure in the region.

Bekbolat Orynbekov urged to solve the problems of veterinarians. He noted that their status has not yet been determined, the load on each specialist has not been fixed, and the material and technical base is outdated.

Andrey Lukin criticized the work of the State Audit Committee, in particular, because of ineffective and inconclusive inspections, and also proposed to revise the criteria of the Risk Management System and the procedure for selecting objects of state audit.