Bishkek: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has directed the drafting of a legislative bill aimed at reintroducing the death penalty for heinous crimes against women and children in the nation. This move signifies a significant shift in the country's legal stance on capital punishment, which had been suspended since a 1998 moratorium and officially abolished in 2007.

According to Anadolu Agency, Japarov's press secretary, Asgat Alagozov, announced on Facebook that the president has tasked the head of the Kyrgyz presidency's legal support department with preparing amendments to the legislation. These amendments are intended to enforce the 'most severe penalties' for crimes targeting women and children. Alagozov highlighted that the proposed legislation specifically addresses the introduction of the death penalty for the rape of children and for cases involving the rape and murder of women.

The proposed amendments have been published on the government portal for public scrutiny and discussion. The document outlines that the initiative aims to implement the death penalty for murder committed with 'particular cruelty,' as well as for the murder of minors and murders involving rape or other violent sexual acts.

This legislative push follows a high-profile case involving the murder of a 17-year-old girl in late September. Investigations by the country's Interior Ministry revealed that the girl had been sexually assaulted and subsequently strangled. The suspect, who had a prior criminal record, was apprehended in Bishkek. Alagozov stated that the case is under the direct supervision of President Japarov.

The reinstitution of the death penalty marks a pivotal moment in Kyrgyzstan's legal landscape, reflecting the government's intent to address and penalize severe crimes against vulnerable groups.