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Kazakhstan has taken a further step toward abolishing capital punishment
Kazakhstan has taken a further step toward abolishing death penalty. In addition to a moratorium on death penalty introduced in December of 2003, Kazakhstan has introduced life imprisonment as an alternative to the death sentence for some grave crimes.
The UN accepted resolution on death penalty moratorium by majority of votes in the third committee in November 2007. The resolution of the General Assembly has no binding force, but is a political signal for leaders of the world. The document has been introduced on behalf of almost 80 states and called the countries to refuse application of death penalty, which contradicts the basic principles of the United Nations.
In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, amended in May 2007, the death penalty may be imposed as an exceptional sanction, such as those committed in wartime and terrorism. Meanwhile the accused has the right to appeal.
There are currently 31 persons in Kazakhstan who enjoyed life imprisonment as an alternative to the death penalty.