The Senate of Kazakhstan has approved a package of anti-corruption laws and related amendments aimed at preventing corruption risks in public service, increasing liability, and eliminating conflicts of interest, Tengrinews reports.
Specifically, the laws introduce criminal liability not only for receiving and giving bribes, but also for promising, offering, or demanding a bribe. These new measures are seen as a significant step in preventing corruption.
Senator Andrey Lukin explained that the proposed changes also cover persons equated to civil servants, tighten rules for relatives working together, and strengthen internal anti-corruption controls. Additionally, liability for concealing corruption offenses and conflicts of interest is set to be increased. However, the main novelty is the recognition of the mere intent to give a bribe as a crime.
Senator Yevgeniy Bolgert inquired how such actions would be classified. Specifically, he asked whether promising or offering a bribe is considered a completed crime or a stage of preparation for a crime. “What is the minimum threshold for proving intent at the stage of promising a bribe, and will a person be held liable for an oral promise if the actual transfer of the bribe did not take place?” the senator asked.
It was noted that the issue is precisely about recognizing the intent itself as a crime: the offer or promise itself — whether oral or written (including messages on social networks) — can serve as evidence.
Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev added that such facts can be recorded in various ways, from oral statements to online correspondence. “Criminal intent can be established as a result of an oral appeal to an official or sending a message in writing, including via social networks and the internet. Therefore, we believe that judicial practice will rely on the basic foundations of evidence in the trial process,” he said.
Earlier, it was reported that officials in Kazakhstan would be dismissed for drug use and drunk driving. This norm is stipulated in the draft law on public service approved by the Majilis.
Source: www.gazeta.uz