During the discussion of amendments to legislation concerning the fight against drug use among youth, Aliyev noted that the VII convocation of parliament has already tightened penalties for drug distribution, including pharmaceutical drug addiction.
“Sellers of potent substances who sell them to children without a prescription can face up to three years in prison. We conducted a survey among the population, and the risk has significantly decreased. Previously, advertising drugs only incurred a fine, but now the sanctions range from 5 to 15 years in prison,” he stated.
According to Aliyev, drugs pose a real threat of the 21st century: among high school students and university students in large cities such as Bishkek and Balakchy, there is a growing fascination with them.In this regard, he proposed introducing a ban on the advertising of potent and narcotic substances, as well as their analogs and precursors. He also suggested changes that would allow for the initiation of a process to declare citizens partially incapacitated due to drug addiction at the request of family members or prosecutors.
Deputy Gulnara Baatyrova asked whether the bill would only concern changes in terminology.
Aliyev replied that the current legislation already contains a definition of “narcotic substances.”
“We aim to expand this definition. Although it may seem like just a change in terms, lawyers understand that even a single comma can change the essence. Previously, narcotic substances were limited to hashish and heroin, but now new substances are emerging, such as mephedrone and spice. We need to introduce a broader definition for all substances that affect consciousness,” he emphasized.
Ulukbek Karybek uulu noted that the justification for the project states that the proposed changes do not pose risks to the social and economic sphere.
“You are presenting a zero indicator,” he added.
“This is just a justification in which the author of the bill provides a broad formulation and description of the feasibility of this law. Changes are being made to the Children’s Code, the Civil Procedure Code, and the Law on Advertising. We need to discuss this topic,” Aliyev commented.
“You present zero, but this does not reflect reality, as the law will affect judicial and advertising aspects. I am just pointing this out. Open the third part of the justification,” Karybek uulu replied.
“I am not at your exam. Express your opinion, and I will respond to it. Or have you become a teacher? Let’s focus on discussing the bill and leave populism aside,” Aliyev addressed him.
“You are the one engaging in populism; I am presenting concrete facts. You spoke about reading, so open it and read,” Karybek uulu retorted.
“I suggest we leave empty talk behind. This is an important platform! Let’s talk about the law, not score points on trivial matters. If you have questions, you can submit your proposals within ten days after the first reading according to the rules of the Jogorku Kenesh. We are always open for discussion,” Aliyev said.
“If you don’t mind, let’s not belittle each other. Even if I am a blogger, today I represent the people and have the same rights as you,” Karybek uulu replied.
As a result of the discussion, the committee members supported the proposed bill.
