Kyrgyzstan Resident Proposes Return of Bride Kidnapping to Combat Social Ills

A recent statement from a resident of the Issyk-Kul region has ignited a controversial debate, suggesting the return of the traditional practice of "ala kachuu," or bride kidnapping, as a solution to pressing social issues. The woman, speaking at a meeting with regional officials, controversially claimed that reviving this practice could help curb domestic violence, reduce the abandonment of newborns, and decrease instances of prostitution.

Her argument posits that in the past, when such traditions were more prevalent, society was more harmonious. She directly appealed to President Sadyr Жапаров to consider bringing back the custom, asserting that it would foster better family relationships and decrease violence against women. This perspective, while deeply troubling to many, reflects a segment of society that looks to traditional practices as a panacea for modern ills, often overlooking the inherent coercion and violence associated with such customs.

It is crucial to remember that "ala kachuu" is not a benign tradition but a criminal act under Kyrgyz law. The Penal Code clearly stipulates severe penalties, ranging from five to ten years of imprisonment, for those involved in kidnapping a person for marriage. This practice frequently involves psychological and physical pressure, and in many documented cases, outright violence. The suggestion to reinstate it, therefore, runs directly counter to legal frameworks and human rights principles, highlighting a stark disconnect between some traditional viewpoints and contemporary legal and ethical standards within Kyrgyzstan. The international community and human rights organizations have consistently condemned this practice, viewing it as a violation of women's rights and autonomy.

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Now there is a lot of violence in society, girls abandon newborns, sometimes even kill them — throw them in the toilet. I ask Sadyr Жапаров to bring back the tradition of bride kidnapping. They used to do this, and everyone lived well. This would help reduce cases of domestic violence and female prostitution.