Interior Ministry explains whether a woman could face liability for demanding marriage

Tengrinews.kz — Can a woman be held criminally liable if she demands that a man marry her? Deputy Interior Minister Sanzhar Adilov answered this question.
On the sidelines of the Mazhilis, where a roundtable on the prevention of stalking and forced marriage was held today, journalists asked Adilov whether any men had contacted the police under the article on stalking or forced marriage.

“No, there have been no such complaints as of today,” Adilov replied.

The deputy minister was also asked whether a situation in which a pregnant woman demands that a man marry her could be considered forced marriage.
Adilov explained that the demand to enter into marriage does not always, in itself, constitute a criminal offense. A set of circumstances is required to hold someone liable.

“Forced marriage is a criminal offense provided for under Article 125-1. To classify an act and bring someone to criminal liability, a set of facts is definitely required,” the deputy minister said.

According to him, in such a situation, criminal liability would require threats or the use of violence — either by the woman herself or by her close ones or relatives.

“If a woman demands that she be married, the issue is clearly that there must be threats, there must be use of violence on her part or on the part of her close ones and relatives. Otherwise, these are already civil relations,” Adilov said.

He also noted that the article provides for a penalty of up to two years.
Context
Criminal liability for stalking has been in effect in Kazakhstan since September 16, 2025. Article 115-1 of the Criminal Code provides for a fine of up to 200 MCIs, community service of up to 200 hours, or arrest for up to 50 days for harassment.
Earlier, we reported that dozens of cases had already been opened in Kazakhstan under the new article on stalking. The Interior Ministry noted that the law makes it possible to protect a person at an early stage of harassment and prevent psychological and physical harm.
Kazakhstan has also introduced criminal liability for forcing someone into marriage. New Article 125-1 provides punishment for coercion into marriage or cohabitation, including through threats, blackmail, psychological pressure, violence or abduction.