The Senate approved life imprisonment for sexual crimes against children.

On October 2, the Senate of the Oliy Majlis approved a law aimed at protecting children from all forms of violence. Under the document, penalties of up to 25 years in prison or life imprisonment are established for certain sexual crimes committed against children under the age of 14. The law has been sent to the President for signature.
Furthermore, statutes of limitations regarding prosecution and the execution of sentences do not apply to grave crimes against the sexual integrity of minors. Suspended sentences and early conditional release are also prohibited for intentional crimes resulting in a child's death.
The law mandates the provision of free state-funded legal assistance to children who are victims of or witnesses to violence, starting from the initial procedural stages. The interrogation of minors must be video-recorded, and any confrontation between a child victim of a sexual crime and a suspect or accused person must be conducted under special procedures.
If the violence is committed by a family member or close relative, the participation of a representative from the guardianship and trusteeship authority is mandatory during procedural proceedings. Furthermore, employment contracts will be terminated for staff members in educational and child-rearing institutions who are held liable for violence against a child, and they will be barred from working with children in the future. Administrative liability will also be increased for parents who fail to care for their child or intentionally neglect to provide for the child's basic needs.
For the law to enter into force, it must be signed by the President and published in accordance with established procedure.