Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan has dedicated counterterrorism provisions in its Criminal Code, most recently revised in 2021. There is no carve-out for the exercise of fundamental human rights.
The Definition of Terrorism in Domestic Law
The Criminal Code defines terrorism as follows:
the perpetration of an explosion, arson, or any other action endangering the lives of people, causing sizable property damage, or entailing other socially dangerous consequences, if these actions have been committed for the purpose of violating public security, frightening the population, or exerting influence on decision-making by governmental bodies.Art. 252(2), Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan.
Adherence to Global and Regional Terrorism Treaties
Kyrgyzstan is a State Party to all of the main United Nations treaties on terrorism.
| Treaty | Adherence |
|---|---|
| 1973 Convention on Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons | State Party |
| 1979 Hostage-Taking Convention | State Party |
| 1997 Terrorist Bombings Convention | State Party |
| 1999 Terrorist Financing Convention | State Party |
| 2005 Nuclear Terrorism Convention | State Party |
There is no regional treaty on terrorism to which Kyrgyzstan can adhere.
Laws and Penalties for Terrorist Offences
The Criminal Code as revised in 2021 generally prescribes a term of imprisonment for between ten and twelve years for an act of terrorism.Art. 252(2), 2021 Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan.Should an act of terrorism involve use of a firearm, the penalty rises to a prison term of twelve to fifteen years.Art. 252(3), Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan.The financing of terrorism carries a punishment of between five and ten years in prison.Art. 253(1), Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan.Public incitement to terrorist activities or public justification of terrorism is punished by imprisonment for up to five years.Art. 255(1), Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan.
Human Rights Watch has reported that since 2013, amendments to the Criminal Code "criminalize possession of material deemed extremist even if the accused has no intent to disseminate it, rendering the measure a particularly severe threat to freedom of belief and expression".
The minimum age of criminal responsibility is fourteen years in case of terrorism.Art. 28(2), Criminal Code of Kyrgyzstan.
Counterterrorism Capacities and Policies at Domestic Level
According to government statistics, some 850 Kyrgyz citizens had left the country as of 2020 to join Islamic State or other terrorist groups, but the US Department of State believes that the true number may be higher.
Law enforcement in the Kyrgyz Republic is primarily the responsibility of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The ministry commands the police force, known locally as the militsiya.
Glossary
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