Baku: Parents and teachers in Azerbaijan who engage in corporal punishment as a disciplinary measure against children will now face fines of up to 200 manats. This development is part of an initiative to curb physical violence against children, as reported by APA.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, this measure is detailed in the newly introduced Article 525-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. The decree was signed by Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting children from physical and psychological abuse.

The law specifically targets parents or guardians, alongside employees of various institutions responsible for child supervision, including educational, medical, social service, sports, cultural, recreational, and penitentiary facilities. These individuals will incur a penalty of 200 manats if they subject a child to corporal punishment or if they commit any form of physical or psychological violence against a child for disciplinary purposes.

The regulation applies in instances where such acts do not warrant criminal charges under the applicable articles of the Criminal Code, signaling a significant step towards enhancing child protection measures within the country.