Kazakhstan to monitor child predators for life

Kazakhstan is preparing to implement new legislation aimed at enhancing oversight of individuals convicted of sexual offenses against minors. According to Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Lepekha, the government intends to impose lifelong monitoring of such offenders.

Currently, individuals convicted of pedophilia are placed under administrative probation for eight years following the expiration of their sentence. The new initiative proposes eliminating the time limit on this probation, potentially making it indefinite.

Lepekha stated that law enforcement officials would be authorized to petition the courts to extend probation periods if there is a perceived risk of reoffending.

«As a result, this probation could be extended indefinitely,» he said. «Ideally, all individuals convicted of such crimes would remain under probation for life, and we believe courts will likely support such appeals from law enforcement.»

Under administrative probation, courts can impose restrictions on the individual, such as prohibiting them from entering areas near schools or other child-centered facilities. Violating these restrictions could lead to administrative penalties or even criminal charges. Additionally, individuals with certain criminal records may face curfews, prohibiting them from leaving their homes at night.

Another proposed measure includes issuing formal warnings to individuals with a criminal history of sexual offenses against minors.

«We plan to inform every such person about the lifelong restrictions they are subject to,» Lepekha said.

He added that similar warnings may also be issued to individuals who frequently disturb public order, cause disturbances in their neighborhoods, or otherwise engage in antisocial behavior.

Since 2016, Kazakhstan has maintained a publicly accessible database of individuals convicted of sexual crimes against children. As of 2023, the registry included 338 people; this number increased to 406 in 2024.