Mazhilis approves amendments on business protection

To protect business from illegal interference in its activities by officials and law enforcement agencies – members of the Mazhilis of the Kazakh Parliament approved such amendments in the first reading to strengthen the fight against raiding and to protect businesses. They were drawn up by a group of MPs as part of the execution of the instructions of the Head of State, Mazhilis Member Dmitry Koloda said. Thus, the country’s Criminal Procedure Code has been amended to reduce the time taken to consider complaints from businesses and citizens concerning illegal inspections, searches and seizures. MPs expect that the implementation of the amendments will enhance the protection of citizens’ and entrepreneurs’ rights. It will also increase the efficiency of ensuring the observance of the rights and legitimate interests of participants in criminal proceedings. In addition, two new articles were introduced to the Kazakh Criminal Code in order to combat illicit trafficking of precious metals.

“The current criminal legislation does not provide for the liability of those engaged in illicit trafficking in precious metals and precious stones, and raw materials containing precious metals, as well as those people assisting them. Illegal infiltration of hazardous production facilities for the purpose of illegal mining of precious metals creates risks of harm to life and health for both employees of mining enterprises and to people engaged in illegal mining, due to their violation of safety requirements and mining technology,” said Koloda.

This bill has passed a number of examinations, including anti-corruption, scientific and linguistic, and has received positive expert reviews from the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs and the government, Koloda added.

Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova

Editing by Galiya Khassenkhanova