According to the information from the ministry, the new measures aim to improve the quality of expertise, accelerate their conduct, and increase the accessibility of expert services for the population.
The necessity for these changes is due to the existing limitations in the current system. Currently, the country requires more than 60 different types of expertise, but many of them remain inaccessible due to a lack of qualified specialists.
"Citizens, legal entities, and investigative bodies face delays in conducting expertise. In particular, for areas such as DNA testing, they have to seek assistance outside the country or wait for months for the completion of the expertise," the message notes.
The new model implies active participation from the private sector. Private experts and laboratories, including foreign ones, will be able to operate in Kyrgyzstan provided they are members of the Chamber of Forensic Experts.
This body will function as an independent self-regulating structure, with the authority to prepare for the certification of forensic experts, approve methodologies, maintain a registry, and regulate tariffs," the publication clarifies.
The authors of the reform believe that the proposed approach will allow:
• to reduce the burden on state expert institutions;
• to attract investments for upgrading equipment;
• to implement international standards;
• to improve the accessibility and timelines of expertise.
Currently, the state system is under significant pressure. Every year, the State Expert Service conducts over 10,000 expertise, with about 80% of them being primary examinations.
"The introduction of the institution of private experts will also provide citizens with more opportunities. Expertise will be available not only in criminal cases but also in pre-trial processes, as well as, for example, in consumer disputes, which will become an important tool for presenting evidence.
At the same time, the new system will implement mechanisms to protect against potential risks. The appointment of experts will be carried out through the Chamber, rather than directly at the client's request. Tariffs will be transparent, and the activities of forensic experts will be standardized and under control," the Ministry of Justice adds.
It is expected that the implementation of the reform will not only increase the efficiency of the judicial system but also represent a significant step in strengthening citizens' rights, providing faster, fairer, and more modern access to justice," the ministry concludes.
