The English-language version of Kazakhstan's Criminal Code prescribes up to 120 years of community service as punishment for insult. The error in the text, published in the legal system "Adilet," was flagged by the Telegram channel HALYQSTAN, according to infohub.kz.
In the Kazakh and Russian versions of the code, the corresponding provision refers to 120 hours of community service. According to the channel, the English translation of the article on indecent humiliation of honor and dignity provides for a fine of up to 120 MCI or community service of up to 120 years.
The discrepancy came to light after a foreign citizen consulted lawyer Abai Uruzbaev. According to the defense lawyer, his client — a U.S. citizen and investor in a large company — had an argument with another person and insulted him. The man does not speak Kazakh or Russian, so he opened the English version of the code on the official website. Seeing the term indicated there, he sought legal assistance.
"I had to spend a long time convincing him that people don't live that long and that he shouldn't fear such a long sentence," Uruzbaev said.
The lawyer believes the error on the official legal resource is not merely a curiosity. Foreigners working in Kazakhstan may use the English version of laws to assess the legal conditions for their activities.
"Investors are not foolish people, and they evaluate a state not only by glossy presentations. They read laws carefully. If the official legal resource offers them an English text of the Criminal Code, then it too becomes part of Kazakhstan's international image," the lawyer noted.
HALYQSTAN wonders whether similar inaccuracies may remain in English translations of other legal acts.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that a resident of Semey was arrested for five days after a TikTok livestream during which she used obscene language. The court found the woman guilty of petty hooliganism.