While discussing amendments to legislation aimed at combating drug distribution among youth, Aliyev reminded that the VII convocation of parliament had intensified penalties for drug trafficking, including pharmacy-related drug addiction.
“Pharmacists who sell potent medications to children without a prescription can face up to three years in prison. We conducted a survey among the population, and the risk has significantly decreased. Previously, drug advertising was not subject to criminal penalties, only fines. Now, prison sentences of 5 to 15 years are provided for,” he emphasized.
According to him, drugs are a real plague of the 21st century: high school students and university students in Bishkek, Manas, Balakchy, and other major cities are actively involved in this problem.In this regard, Aliyev proposed to ban the advertising of potent substances, psychotropic drugs, and their analogs. He also suggested introducing the possibility of appealing to the court to declare a citizen partially incapacitated in the case of addiction to these substances upon the request of family members or guardianship authorities.
Deputy Gulnara Baatyrova inquired whether the bill would only concern changes in terminology.
To which Aliyev replied that the current legislation already includes the concept of “narcotic substances.”
“We want to expand this definition. Although it may seem that these are just terminological changes, lawyers understand that even a single comma can change the essence. Previously, only hashish and heroin were considered drugs, but now new substances have emerged, such as mephedrone and spice. We need to create a broader definition for all substances that affect consciousness,” he noted.
Ulukbek Karybek uulu pointed out that the report on the project states that the proposed changes do not pose a risk for social or economic consequences.
“You are setting the indicator at zero,” he added.
“This is a report in which the initiator of the law gives a general description of why it is necessary. The project includes relevant articles for the Code on Children, the Civil Procedure Code, and the Advertising Law. It would be more appropriate to focus on these issues,” Aliyev responded.
“You claim that your indicator is zero, but this does not reflect reality, as the law will affect judicial and working aspects and advertising. That’s all I mean. Please look at the third part of the report,” Karybek uulu said.
“I am not at your exam. Express your opinion, and I will respond to it. Or have you become a teacher? Let’s discuss the bill. There’s no need for populism,” Aliyev addressed him.
“You are engaging in populism. I am presenting specific facts. You said we would read. So open it and read,” Karybek uulu exclaimed.
“I suggest we leave the empty chatter behind. This is a serious platform! Let’s talk about the law. There’s no need to gain cheap popularity over trifles. If there are questions, you can submit your proposals within ten days after the first reading of the project in accordance with the regulations of the Jogorku Kenesh. We are always open,” Aliyev said.
“If you don’t mind, let’s treat each other with respect. Even if I am a blogger, today I am a representative of the people and have the same rights as you,” Karybek uulu replied.
In the end, the committee members supported the proposed project.
