the Parliament of Kazakhstan passed the new Penal Code, increasing the number of crimes eligible for the

the Parliament of Kazakhstan passed the new Penal Code, increasing the number of crimes eligible for the death penalty. Three new articles were included into the new code’s fourth chapter regarding the crimes against the peace and security: violation of laws or customs of war; violation of international humanitarian laws during armed conflicts; and international terrorism. At the same time, the death penalty was abolished in two articles applicable to public officials in wartime: excess of power, and abuse of authority and official powers. On 1 January 2015, the new Criminal and Administrative Offences Codes entered into force in Kazakhstan.
Capital punishment was so far applicable for 18 crimes listed in the Penal Code of Kazakhstan, including premeditated murder, genocide, sabotage, and plotting lethal terror acts. The death penalty is provided also for treason in wartime and for other military crimes. As a result of the June 2014 Code’s reform, there are now 19 crimes punishable by death in Kazakhstan.