Kazakhstan Outlaws Bride Kidnappings and Forced Marriages
ASTANA, Kazakhstan – A new law banning forced marriages and the practice of bride kidnapping took effect in Kazakhstan on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, marking a meaningful step towards protecting women’s rights in the Central Asian nation. The legislation criminalizes both practices, despite their continued prevalence and a historical lack of specific legal prohibitions.
Forcing someone into marriage is now punishable by up to 10 years in prison,according to a statement released by Kazakh police. Previously, individuals who released a kidnapped person could avoid criminal liability; that provision has now been eliminated. The move comes after growing public pressure and increased scrutiny of violence against women, especially following a high-profile murder case in 2023.
The ban addresses a long-standing issue with limited official data. While reliable national statistics are unavailable, a Kazakh lawmaker reported earlier this year that police had received 214 complaints related to forced marriage over the past three years. The practice of bride kidnapping also persists in neighboring Kyrgyzstan, where enforcement of existing laws is often lax.
The issue gained national attention last year following the murder of a woman by her husband, a former Minister, a case that deeply shocked Kazakh society. President kassym-Jomart Tokayev responded to the tragedy, stating, “Some people hide behind so-called traditions and try to impose the practice of wife stealing. This blatant obscurantism cannot be justified.”
The new law aims to prevent forced marriages and protect vulnerable citizens, especially women and adolescents, Kazakh police stated. It represents a key development in the country’s efforts to address gender-based violence and uphold women’s rights.