According to the parliamentarian, about thirty mothers of young people convicted under Article 282 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic (illegal production of drugs and psychotropic substances for the purpose of sale) have approached her.
She noted that this article prescribes a punishment of 8 to 13 years of imprisonment, and among the convicted are many young people aged 18-19 years.
“Parents report that most of these young people have become victims of manipulation and deceit. They did not intend to engage in criminal activity but were drawn into it,” emphasized Elvira Surabaldiyeva.
The deputy called for a discussion on possible changes to legislation that would take into account the age and circumstances of the first offense, so as not to ruin the lives of young people with harsh penalties.
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She also pointed out that law enforcement often detains minor perpetrators and so-called "stashers," while major drug barons, who manage multimillion-dollar operations, remain beyond the reach of law enforcement agencies.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Oktobyr Urmambetov did not express a clear position of the agency on the issue of softening penalties but expressed readiness to discuss this topic on any platform with the parents of convicted young people.
