Security services propose toughening punishment for Kyrgyz citizens who fought or underwent special training in terrorist camps

Bishkek, Jan. 29, 2020 / Kabar /. The State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic initiated a bill to toughen the punishment for Kyrgyz citizens who took part in hostilities outside of Kyrgyzstan or underwent special training in terrorist camps.

At present, the bill and the draft government decree are published on the government website and are undergoing public discussion.

According to the statement of justification, the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic provides for imprisonment from 2 years 6 months to 5 years for participation of a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic in armed conflicts or military operations in a foreign country or undergoing terrorist training and, as a less serious crime the judicial authorities apply early release parole and also this category of persons subject to amnesty.

In fact, the participation of a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic in armed conflict or military operations on the territory of a foreign state or undergoing terrorist training outside the Kyrgyz Republic poses no less, if not more, danger to the national security of the Kyrgyz Republic. This is due to the fact that, a mercenary is fighting in a foreign country with the aim of personal interest - obtaining material compensation, whereas, a person participating in an armed conflict or undergoing terrorist training in the territory a foreign state as part of terrorist organizations, has direct or indirect plans for committing acts of terrorism in other countries.

In addition, as a less serious crime, probationary supervision may be applied for a term of 1 year to 3 years without isolation and imprisonment of a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic, which will allow a person who went through terrorist training abroad, to remain at large and realize criminal intent.