According to the previous procedure, if the "kidnapper" released the girl of his own free will, he could avoid punishment. Now, even if the girl is released, the perpetrator will still be held criminally liable.
New penalties:
• a fine, compulsory or community service, restriction of liberty for up to two years, or imprisonment;
• in cases with severe consequences — deprivation of liberty from 5 to 10 years;
• the punishment is further aggravated if committed against minors, with violence, or by a group.
According to the office of the Ombudsman of Kazakhstan, cases of forced marriage of girls still persist in some regions. This is why strict changes were introduced to the legislation.
In Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, liability for such a crime has already been in effect.
