Kazakhstan bans forced marriages and bride kidnapping

(Web Desk): Kazakhstan has officially banned forced marriages and the kidnapping of brides.

According to international news agencies, a new law came into effect in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, under which forced marriages and bride abductions are now prohibited.

Police have stated that anyone who forces another person into marriage could now face up to 10 years in prison.

In an official statement, police said the law was implemented to prevent forced marriages and to protect vulnerable groups, especially women and young people.

Additionally, the practice of bride kidnapping has also been outlawed. Previously, if a kidnapper voluntarily released the victim, they could potentially avoid legal action. However, this legal loophole has now been closed.

Reports indicate that reliable data on forced marriage cases in Kazakhstan is scarce, as there was previously no specific clause in the criminal code addressing the issue.

However, earlier this year, a member of parliament stated that in the past three years, police received 214 complaints related to such incidents.

It is worth noting that women’s rights in Kazakhstan became a major media focus in 2023, after a former minister murdered his wife, sparking national and international outrage.