Kazakhstan introduces criminal penalties for stalking
New statute defines stalking as unlawful pursuit and sets fines, detention, making Kazakhstan first in Central Asia to adopt such law
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan has formally criminalized stalking, becoming the first country in Central Asia to introduce a dedicated statute against obsessive harassment.
The measure, reported by the Times of Central Asia, defines stalking as persistent attempts to contact or monitor an individual against their will, causing psychological harm but without physical violence.
Offenders face fines of up to 200 monthly indices (about $1,200), 200 hours of community service, or up to 50 days in detention. More serious cases involving threats, blackmail, or privacy violations may be prosecuted under other provisions of the Criminal Code.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the amendments in mid-July, adding Article 115-1 to the Criminal Code under the title “Stalking.” Officials said the law was drafted to protect victims at an early stage and establish zero tolerance for harassment.
The proposal to address stalking first emerged in 2023 at a coordination council meeting of the Prosecutor General’s Office. Marat Abishev, head of the Service for the Protection of Public Interests, warned at the time of the growing prevalence of obsessive harassment, particularly against women. “Women are increasingly faced with the phenomenon of stalking, that is, obsessive persecution,” he said.
Initially, Abishev suggested introducing administrative regulation, similar to Russia’s phased approach where lawmakers began with restraining orders and fines before considering criminal prosecution. But Kazakhstan opted for a tougher line, bypassing intermediate steps and enacting full criminal liability.
Legal experts stress that the law targets systematic behavior rather than isolated incidents. Lawyer Artem Baghdasaryan explained that stalking may include repeated surveillance near a victim’s home, frequent unwanted phone calls or social media messages, collection of personal data without consent, or appearing in public spaces frequented by the victim.
Internationally, the definition often extends to online harassment and the sending of unsolicited gifts.
Many Western countries, including Germany, the US, Canada, and the UK, have treated stalking as a criminal offense since the 1990s, often carrying prison terms.
Analysts say Kazakhstan’s move reflects a growing recognition of personal privacy and security as fundamental rights. By adopting criminal penalties outright, the country has set a regional precedent and aligned itself more closely with international standards in combating gender-based harassment and intrusive interference in private life.
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