In Uzbekistan, the Khorezm affair recently thundered, as many bloggers nicknamed it. This is a high-profile case when in the Khorezm region for a long time officials maintained sexual relations with orphans. However, they received only minor penalties for their crimes, which consisted in restricting their freedom.

These events caused shock in society, and many bloggers and public figures spoke out about this incident. Ideas about the introduction of chemical castration were voiced:

"It's time to amend the legislation on the use of chemical castration against pedophiles in Uzbekistan," Komil Allamzhonov, deputy head of the Presidential Administration, wrote on his Telegram channel.

We decided to compare the penalties for pedophilia in Central Asian countries.

Uzbekistan

In the Republic of Uzbekistan, community service of up to 480 hours, correctional labor of up to 3 years, restriction of freedom from 1 to 3 years, or imprisonment from 1 to 3 years can be assigned for this crime. Previously, community service of up to 360 hours or correctional work of up to 2 years was relied on for this crime.

Turkmenistan

Similarly to Uzbekistan, in Turkmenistan, the maximum term for sexual attraction to minors is up to 3 years in prison. At the same time, the criminal in some cases can get off only with a fine, which ranges from $3.300 to $9.900.

Kyrgyzstan

In this Central Asian country, the maximum term is also low - from 1 to 3 years in prison. If the parent committed the offense, then the number increases to 5 years. They will also be banned from working as teachers or in another profession related to working with children.

Tajikistan

In 2021, 16 cases of rape of minors were recorded in Tajikistan. There was also a high-profile case in this country involving an 8-year-old girl and a 30-year-old man. Then the man raped the minor and then killed her. He received a life sentence.

Now the law in Tajikistan provides for a term of 3 to 5 years in prison, but if the victim was infected with HIV - from 5 to 8 years.

Kazakhstan

The most severe punishment throughout Central Asia is observed in Kazakhstan. There, those accused of pedophilia can receive up to 12 years in prison. If someone who is responsible for raising a child (such as a parent, stepfather, stepmother, or teacher) commits sexual acts with that child, then they will be punished with 10 to 15 years in prison, and they are disqualified from holding certain positions.

The article was prepared with the help of our correspondents in Central Asia.