Jamila Dzhamanbaeva, the Ombudsman of the Kyrgyz Republic, has called on law enforcement agencies to respond promptly to citizens' appeals and to conduct thorough, objective investigations, especially in cases concerning the protection of the rights of women and children.
She emphasized that any violations of the rights of women and children are unacceptable and must be subject to strict legal assessment. Furthermore, Dzhamanbaeva reminded that polygamy is a violation of both national legislation and international norms.
This call was made in response to a request from a resident of Bishkek, U.K., who sought legal assistance regarding her civil partner, former official M.M., accused of polygamy.
According to U.K., her complaint was not addressed by the internal affairs authorities for five months, and only on December 1 did the Oktyabrsky District Department of Internal Affairs initiate a criminal case under Article 176 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, concerning bigamy and polygamy.
The woman reported that on February 16, 2022, she and M.M. entered into a marriage according to religious customs, and an official wedding took place on February 22. M.M. claimed that he had children from a previous marriage, but he does not live with his first wife.
Shortly thereafter, the couple had a son, but the child was diagnosed with a severe genetic disease. U.K. stated that her husband refused to support their son, changed the child's surname, and does not participate in his treatment.
Additionally, the woman noted that M.M.'s first wife and her relatives are pressuring her, spreading false rumors, and have repeatedly filed complaints against her with the police.
Employees of the Akikatchy Institute provided U.K. with legal and psychological assistance and will monitor the investigation and court proceedings. An official letter was sent to the General Prosecutor's Office requesting information on the status of the investigation.
It is important to note that under the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, polygamy is punishable by community service or corrective labor for a period of one to three years, or fines ranging from 500 to 1000 calculated indicators.
