Government introduces criminal liability for forced marriage in Kazakhstan

Pressure, threats and kidnapping for marriage are now punishable by up to 10 years in prison / The image is generated by a neural network, photo editor: Dastan Shanay

A new article of the Criminal Code establishing liability for forced marriage has officially come into effect in Kazakhstan, the Prosecutor General’s Office reported.

Article 125-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan was introduced as part of the implementation of the Law-and-Order Concept and the policy of zero tolerance for offenses. According to the supervisory authority, the law was signed by the head of state on July 16, 2025, as part of broader reforms to strengthen criminal legislation.

«According to family legislation, a marriage concluded under duress is recognized as invalid. Marriage is a voluntary union and can only be entered into by mutual consent,» the Prosecutor General’s Office emphasized.

The supervisory body stressed that forced marriage, especially when accompanied by threats, intimidation and psychological or physical violence, is a violation of fundamental human rights.

«In most countries, forced marriage is treated as a serious crime because it may involve isolation, violence, and even suicide attempts by victims. In some jurisdictions, forced marriage is recognized as a form of human trafficking,» the agency noted.

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, over the past five years, 257 criminal cases related to forced marriage have been registered in Kazakhstan, but 95% of them were later dismissed.

«Under the new rule, coercion into marriage through threats, blackmail, violence, or other pressure is punishable by up to two years in prison, and in cases of serious consequences, by up to 10 years,» authorities said in a statement.

Article 125 of the Criminal Code has also been amended: now, such cases cannot be terminated even if the victim was released voluntarily. The abduction of a woman for forced marriage will be prosecuted under a combination of Articles 125 and 125-1.

The Prosecutor General’s Office emphasized that these measures are aimed at protecting citizens’ rights, ensuring the inevitability of punishment, and fostering zero tolerance for violations of personal freedom in society. Supervisory authorities will continue to monitor compliance with the law and ensure legal protection for victims.

In Kazakhstan, the fight against domestic violence has become a broad social trend supported by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The issue gained urgency following a series of high-profile incidents that prompted the government to toughen penalties for violence against women.