Kyrgyzstan’s new Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code are set to enter into force on January 1, 2019, with the aim of improving the system of law enforcement in the country. Specifically, the new Criminal Code seeks to reform criminal law, procedure and types of criminal punishment, promote the integration of the Code into security measures, institute probation, introduce mediation in criminal matters, and support new mechanisms and approaches for the social integration of persons convicted of criminal wrongdoing. As these new laws undergo revisions and take effect, capacity building activities for the frontline agencies and legal professionals in charge of enforcement are lacking or insufficient. This is especially the case for the judiciary, the police and members of the bar association, as well as other legal professionals.
With support from the United States Department of State, IDLO is implementing a project that aims to support Kyrgyz legal professionals to effectively apply the provisions of the new Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes. Under the project, IDLO will prepare training and reference materials for the judiciary, police and bar association. Working groups will be established to review the materials and also to identify topics to be updated in accordance with the new Codes. To ensure that legal professionals are prepared to effectively implement and enforce the new laws, IDLO will conduct cross-agency seminars and in-depth training programs for each institutional training center. Finally, IDLO will nominate a group of trainers to develop and implement mock court courses within the police academy.
