11 September 2024 | 18:10

Kazakhstan proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years

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Tengrinews.kz - Kazakhstani lawmaker Magerram Magerramov has proposed lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years for certain crimes.

Magerram Magerramov, a member of the Mazhilis, has suggested that Kazakhstan should set the age of criminal responsibility at 12 for specific offenses, such as sexual assault. In a recent parliamentary request to Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Magerramov highlighted the disturbing trend of violent crimes committed by minors.

The lawmaker argued that bullying, violence, and the glorification of criminal lifestyles in schools contribute significantly to criminal behavior among youth. He expressed concern that young people entering the military, who were raised in destructive school environments, continue their criminal activities within the armed forces.

"We believe that addressing violence at its roots is crucial. However, current laws leave young aggressors unpunished due to their age. Following the example of the UK, we should consider lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12 for certain serious crimes, such as sexual assault," said Magerramov.

Magerramov also called for a fundamental shift in how schools address and prevent criminal behavior among teenagers. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that not only focuses on education but also on moral and ethical behavior and emotional stability.

"We observe a lack of effective action from the Ministry of Culture and Information in preventing the erosion of the family unit as a protective institution for children. There is no comprehensive approach to these issues, and if there is, it is only superficial," he added.

Earlier this year, a new law was enacted to protect women's and children's rights, which introduced Article 127-2 in the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Administrative Offences addressing bullying and cyberbullying. The Ministry of Education also announced that it would start tracking bullying cases in schools.