MP Elvira Surabaldieva proposed amending the Code of Offenses and the Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan to introduce criminal liability for harassment. The relevant amendments have already been published on the Jogorku Kenesh website for public discussion.
Strengthening protection against harassment on public transport
The initiator stressed that current legal provisions do not always allow for the application of liability measures commensurate with the nature and degree of public danger of the harassment reported by citizens.
90%women who have encountered harassment on public transport
53%women aged 18-25
38%women under 18
80%unwanted touching, pressing, stroking, pinching
69%meaningful looks
57%pestering
Proposed legislative changes
Under the MP's initiative, harassment may be considered sexual remarks, as well as touching, pressing, pinching, kisses, stroking, exposure of genitalia, stalking and obscene messages against a person's will.
- Punishment for harassment may be a fine of 20 thousand som or arrest for a term of 3 to 7 days.
- On coercion into intimacy through blackmail, material or other dependence, it is proposed to retain only imprisonment for a term of two to four years.
