“I don’t understand when someone advocates their rights:” Ex-minister Aitmagambetov insists on surgical castration of pedophiles in Kazakhstan

According to Ashat Aitmagambetov, a member of the parliament and former minister of education, a draft law on surgical castration of pedophiles has been introduced into the Mazhilis for the second reading. The MP believes that pedophiles deserve «the most severe punishment,» not protection of their rights.

Some MPs say that they are going to promote the draft law about surgical castration as a punishment for pedophiles. As Aitmagambetov noted, currently, this type of punishment contradicts the UN Convention Against Torture signed by Kazakhstan.

«I strongly believe that the pedophiles deserve the most severe and even cruel punishment. So far, our constitution implies that a life sentence is the maximum penalty in Kazakhstan. This is why we’ve chosen this option,» the MP highlighted.

Aitmagambetov confirmed that the draft law has a clause about the surgical castration of pedophiles in Kazakhstan.

«Emotionally, as a father, I don’t understand when someone talks about the pedophiles’ rights. They say that the pedophiles are also our citizens and suggest defending their rights. I can understand this as a legal point but I can’t accept this as a citizen. This is why we propose strengthening punishment for them up to surgical castration. This is our stance. I believe that these, I can’t say humans, deserve the most severe punishment,» the MP emphasized.

However, the parliament can’t approve the rule on surgical castration because of international obligations of Kazakhstan, he said.

«The rule on surgical castration has been introduced to the Mazhilis for the second reading. There is the Convention Against Torture our country has signed. Due to our international obligations, we can’t currently approve this rule. However, discussions are ongoing and lawmaking work continues,» Aitmagambetov said.

Earlier this month, the Mazhilis approved a life sentence punishment as an official penalty for pedophilia and murder of children. If the Senate and the president approve the draft law, pedophiles and those who killed minors will be punished with life sentences. They will also not be given any amnesty, while a statute of limitations for such crimes will be ongoing indefinitely.