Kazakhstan to change rules for applying chemical castration

Tengrinews.kz – Amendments to the rules for applying mandatory medical measures to those convicted of pedophilia will soon take effect in Kazakhstan.
According to a new order from the Minister of Healthcare, changes have been made to the regulations: chemical castration for pedophiles will now be carried out six months before their release from prison, in accordance with a court decision.
The measure applies to convicts over 18 years old found guilty of sexual crimes against minors.

“The mandatory medical measure is carried out at the place of imprisonment of the convicts, and for those sentenced to other forms of punishment — in a healthcare organization providing outpatient psychiatric care,” the document states.

Under the new rules, the administration of the correctional facility must send materials to the court no later than 12 months before the inmate’s release date. The court will then order a forensic psychiatric examination to determine whether the convict has any mental disorders or tendencies toward sexual violence.
The rules do not apply to individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses, even if they were found legally sane.
The order will come into force 10 calendar days after its official publication.
Currently, under Kazakh law, pedophilia is punishable by life imprisonment — an amendment that took effect in 2024.