A resident of Bishkek, known as U.H., appealed to the Ombudsman with a request to hold her civil husband, former official M.M., accountable for polygamy.
According to U.H., her statement to the internal affairs authorities regarding this matter remained unaddressed for five months, and only on December 1 did the Oktyabrsky District Department of Internal Affairs initiate a criminal case under Article 176 of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, concerning bigamy and polygamy.
The woman stated that she and M.M. entered into a marriage through a religious ceremony on February 16, 2022, and the official wedding took place on February 22. M.M. claimed to have children but did not live with U.H.
A year after the marriage, they had a son, who was diagnosed with a severe genetic disease at six months.
“My husband said that having a child with a disability tarnishes his name, and he changed our son's last name. He completely refused to help and does not participate in the treatment. Doctors advised us to consult foreign specialists. Thanks to the support of our relatives, we managed to receive treatment abroad,” U.H. shared.
Additionally, the woman noted that M.M.'s first wife and her relatives are pressuring her, slandering her, and have repeatedly contacted the police with various statements.
Staff from the Ombudsman Institute provided U.H. with legal and psychological assistance and will monitor the progress of the investigation and court proceedings.
An official letter has been sent to the General Prosecutor's Office requesting information on the current status of the case.
It is important to note that the legislation provides for punishment for polygamy in the form of community service or corrective labor for a period of one to three years, as well as a fine ranging from 500 to 1000 calculated indicators.
