Kazakhstan toughens punishment for separatism

The new draft Criminal Code of Kazakhstan is going to contain anti-separatist clauses with a tougher punishment and broader scope. Calls for illegitimate violation of Kazakhstan's territorial integrity will be punishable by up to 10 years in prison, Tengrinews reports.

“The draft Criminal Code will have a new article that criminalizes separatist activities. Calls for illegitimate, unconstitutional changes to the territorial integrity of Kazakhstan or disintegration will be considered a criminal offense," Arman Ayaganova, head of a department at the Prosecutor General's Office, told the journalists.

“The offences under this article will be classified as grave [offences]. Part 1 provides a maximum penalty of imprisonment for up to 7 years. If the offence is committed by a person abusing his official position – then up to 10 years," she said.

She clarified that since the Internet is considered to be a type of media in Kazakhstan, the new article of the Criminal Code also applies to propaganda and public incitements of separatism made online.

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