Thousands of inmates could be released: Senate passes amnesty law

Tengrinews.kz - On June 19, senators passed the law “On Amnesty in Connection with the 30th Anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”

The law, initiated by members of Parliament, aims to humanize the country’s criminal policy. It was developed in response to a directive issued by the President in April 2025.

The amnesty applies to:

• individuals who committed criminal infractions or minor offenses
• those convicted of medium-gravity crimes, provided there was no damage caused or full restitution was made
• members of socially vulnerable groups

However, the amnesty does not apply to those convicted of corruption, terrorism, extremism, sexual offenses against minors, or other serious offenses.

The law will come into effect after it is signed by the President.

Earlier, Mazhilis deputies passed the bill.

Mazhilis Deputy Abzal Kuspan explained who among the convicted may be eligible for amnesty.

According to Kuspan, this primarily includes pensioners, minors, women raising children, and single fathers who were the sole caregivers at the time the crime was committed.

Who won’t be granted amnesty: Lawmakers clarify exclusions