Central Asian Parliamentarians Praise Kazakhstan's Amnesty Law as Notable Example for the Region
Kazakhstan has taken a significant step forward in its democratic development with the adoption of a new amnesty law. This law, which was signed into effect by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on June 23, benefits over 15,000 convicted individuals across the country.
The amnesty primarily targets those convicted of low- to medium-severity offenses, with a focus on non-violent offenses, cases with no or compensated damages, or social vulnerability. Approximately 2,000 of the beneficiaries are expected to be released due to the amnesty, while the sentences of about 11,000 others will be reduced or softened.
The amnesty law, adopted in connection with the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan's Constitution, may serve as a model for the wider Central Asian region. It reflects Kazakhstan's shift toward a more rights-based legal framework, aligning with international recognition of its reform trajectory.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has submitted a declaration in support of the amnesty law, commending Kazakhstan's efforts in advancing democratic reforms, protecting human rights, and liberalizing the justice system. The declaration, titled "Amnesty law in Kazakhstan marking 30 years of the Constitution," encourages continued progress on democratic reforms in Kazakhstan.
European parliamentarians praised this amnesty law, seeing it as a constructive step toward liberalizing Kazakhstan's justice system and promoting democratic reforms and human rights protections. They highlighted how the law serves vulnerable groups and embodies Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts to advance democracy, protect human rights, and reform its justice system. The law is regarded as a model for Central Asia, encouraging the continuation of these reforms throughout the region.
Furthermore, the amnesty is part of wider improvements in Kazakhstan’s human rights landscape, as noted in the UN Human Rights Council's approval of Kazakhstan’s Universal Periodic Review report earlier in 2025. This report acknowledged various reforms including those in anti-discrimination, women's rights, judiciary independence, and measures against torture, indicating coordinated efforts to align Kazakhstan's laws with international human rights standards.
In summary, Kazakhstan’s new amnesty law is a tangible reflection of its democratic reforms and commitment to human rights protection. It promotes social justice by easing penalties for minor offences, especially among vulnerable populations, and aligns with international recognition of Kazakhstan’s reform trajectory. This initiative signals a progressive shift towards a more humane and rights-based legal system in the country.
- The amnesty law, a significant step in Kazakhstan's democratic development, is not only reducing sentences for thousands of individuals across the country but also aligning with international policies and legislations on human rights protection.
- The adoption of this amnesty law, backed by the European Parliamentarians and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, showcases Kazakhstan's dedication to politics that prioritize democratic reforms, human rights, and a liberalized justice system, making it a potential model for the general news of Central Asian region's policy-and-legislation changes.
