Initiator of Polygamy Decriminalization Petition Summoned by Police in Bishkek

Authorities in Bishkek have summoned an individual who was collecting signatures for a petition to decriminalize polygamy, signaling a firm stance against the practice in Kyrgyzstan. The initiative, led by Ozbek Chotonov, aimed to reduce the legal repercussions for those engaging in polygamous relationships, a topic that has sparked considerable debate on social media.

According to the Bishkek Main Directorate of Internal Affairs, Chotonov and other participants in the signature collection were interviewed by police. During these interactions, law enforcement officials clarified that polygamy is indeed a criminal offense under the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic. They emphasized that engaging in such relationships can lead to public works or fines, with penalties ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 Kyrgyz som.

The petition gained traction online after a video of Chotonov explaining his cause went viral. This public discussion highlights a societal undercurrent where some may seek to challenge traditional legal frameworks. However, the official response from the police underscores the current legal reality and the government's commitment to upholding existing laws, which permit only official monogamous marriages under the "Family Code."

This event reflects a broader tension between traditional practices and modern legal structures in Kyrgyzstan. While the constitution guarantees freedom of assembly and expression, actions that contravene established laws, particularly those concerning family and social order, are met with official scrutiny. The police's intervention serves as a clear message that attempts to alter the legal status of polygamy through such petitions will be met with legal explanations and enforcement of current statutes.

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We conducted explanatory work with the citizens, including Ozbek Chotonov, that polygamy entails criminal liability in accordance with the laws of the Kyrgyz Republic.