Yunus-Bek Evkurov speaks out against criminal liability for bride abduction

Ingush leader Yunus-Bek Evkurov has stated that he does not support criminalizing bride abduction.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 26, the National Assembly of Ingushetia introduced for the consideration of the State Duma a draft law providing for criminal liability for abduction of a person for marriage. MPs suggested introducing a sentence of three years in prison for abducting brides.

When commented on the initiative of the Ingush National Assembly, Yunus-Bek Evkurov has noted that the law already provides for criminal liability for abduction, regardless of whether a bride is abducted, or a businessman is kidnapped.

"When a man wants to marry in such a way, we should not make him a criminal, since we may face troubles of that," said Yunus-Bek Evkurov as quoted by the "TASS" on May 6.

Article 126 of the Criminal Code "Kidnapping of a person" provides for criminal liability in the form of forced labour for a period of up to five years or imprisonment for the same period.

Earlier, the draft law was criticized by Magomed Mutsolgov, the leader of the human rights organization "Mashr" and an author of a blog at the "Caucasian Knot".

"Of course, I stand against bride abduction... However, I believe it is wrong to sentence men for such long periods of imprisonment for this crime," wrote Magomed Mutsolgov in his post "Criminal prosecution for bride abduction is unacceptable!" He has also reminded that earlier, a man could abduct a bride in order to express respect for her older sisters in case if they were not married and also in order to avoid large pre-wedding expenses and fuss.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.