The Majilis (lower house) of Kazakhstan's parliament passed a law making violence against medical workers and ambulance drivers punishable by up to 12 years in prison, following several high-profile incidents.
The decision was made at the plenary session held on Wednesday.
The law introduces a new article in the criminal code, which stipulates that the use of violence against healthcare workers in the presence of aggravating circumstances is punishable by 7-12 years imprisonment, and without aggravating circumstances by 5-10 years.
In addition, violence that does not pose a threat to the life and health of medical workers will be punished by a fine of up to $7,600, or up to 600 hours of community service, or up to 3 years of imprisonment.
Threats of violence against medical workers will also be punishable, with a maximum of three years in prison for such a crime.
