According to the amendments, the wording of Article 137 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic has been clarified. Now, torture is understood as causing physical or psychological suffering with the aim of obtaining confessions, punishment, coercion, intimidation, or for discriminatory reasons.
Liability for torture now falls not only on officials but also on any person performing official functions, even if they are not a representative of the authorities. This applies to those who exercise control, supervision, training, treatment, or other powers over dependent individuals.
The law also defines the circle of such individuals, including workers acting under civil law or labor contracts.
The new provisions will come into force ten days after their official publication.
