Bishkek: Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has announced that the issue of reinstating the death penalty in Kyrgyzstan could be resolved through a nationwide referendum. In an interview with the Kabar news agency, President Japarov indicated that the decision to reinstate capital punishment would ultimately lie in the hands of the Kyrgyz population.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Japarov stated that before any referendum takes place, a draft law proposing amendments to the constitution will be open to public discussion. Following this, the Constitutional Court is expected to provide its opinion on the draft. If these steps are completed as required, the draft law could then be presented to the public through a referendum.
Currently, Kyrgyzstan prohibits the death penalty, upholding the right to life for every individual. However, Japarov mentioned that should the majority of the population favor this change, the re-elected Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) would need to enact the necessary legislation to withdraw from international agreements and amend existing labor and other laws.