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Tengrinews.kz - Senator Marat Kozhayev was asked why drivers caught behind the wheel while intoxicated do not fall under the amnesty in Kazakhstan.
The deputy stated that Kazakhstanis who chose to drive drunk “knew perfectly well what awaited them.”
“I get the feeling there is a certain group of people constantly raising and lobbying this issue. A drunk driver is a dangerous person because they get behind the wheel of a vehicle, which is already a source of increased danger, in such a condition. Every year, nearly 3,000 people die on the roads of our country, if my memory serves me correctly, and about 5,000–6,000 people suffer serious injuries. And behind these numbers are families. Can you imagine how many women are left widowed every year? They are left with children, parents, and all this tragedy falls on the shoulders of family members and loved ones. And the person who gets behind the wheel must be aware of these consequences,” Kozhayev said on the sidelines of a government meeting.
Before coming to the Senate, Kozhayev served as Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, so he is well acquainted with Kazakhstan’s road accident statistics. According to him, the current law is having a positive effect: drivers are less likely to drive drunk, and the number of road deaths has fallen several times over.
“Just think how many tragedies we have managed to avoid. That’s why I am not in favor of adopting laws and then, under public pressure, demanding some kind of leniency. I think the law is the law. It may be harsh, but it is the law,” the senator added.
For reference, Mazhilis deputy Abzal Kuspan, one of the drafters of the previously adopted amnesty law, had also commented on whether it might apply to drunk drivers.
Earlier in June, Mazhilis deputies passed the law "On Amnesty in Connection with the 30th Anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan." Later, Deputy Abzal Kuspan clarified which categories of offenders will not be eligible. On June 19, senators passed the law, which will come into effect after it is signed by the President.
