(MENAFN) Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov announced on Saturday that the issue of reinstating the death penalty for the rape and murder of women and children will be determined through a countrywide referendum.

In an interview with a state news agency, Japarov explained that this initiative is a response to a rise in violent offenses targeting women and minors.

“The reasons are clear to everyone. We are seeing more cases of sexual assault against minors, not only in Kyrgyzstan but across the world,” he remarked.

The president emphasized that the proposal aims to safeguard women and children, dismissing suggestions that it is politically motivated.

“We will not make such a decision unilaterally. We will certainly consult with the people,” Japarov stated, noting that the government would adhere to constitutional protocols.

Japarov indicated that a draft legislation titled “On Amendments to Article 25 of the Constitution” would initially undergo public discussion before being reviewed by the Constitutional Court.

“This bill could be adopted by referendum. The issue will be decided only by a popular vote,” he added.

Should the proposal be approved, the subsequent parliament would need to enact laws to withdraw from international treaties prohibiting the death penalty and revise domestic legislation accordingly, the president concluded.

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