The agenda of the plenary session of the Senate, which will convene today, includes Amendments and addenda to the Criminal, Criminal Procedure Codes and the Code of Administrative Liability in connection with the Improvement of the Road Safety System. The bill caused a wide public outcry last year when it was passed by the Legislative Chamber.
The amendments proposed a penalty point system for violating traffic rules, criminal liability for drunk driving, and others. However, in addition to these amendments related to road safety, the amendments include a provision on the introduction of punishment for discrediting law enforcement officers.
The amendments include the insertion of an article 195-2 to the Administrative Code provides for a fine of 50 basic settlement units (BSU) (since December 1 - 17 million soums) or arrest for up to 15 days for posting photos and videos on the Internet about the work of law enforcement officers related to the performance of official duties, that is, ensuring public safety, with the purpose of discrediting or insulting them.
The Legislative Chamber MP Doniyor Ganiev stated at that time this article was vague and contradicted the policy course of openness pursued by the president, the principle of “it is not the people that should serve government bodies, but government bodies that should serve the people,” as well as the work of public oversight.
He pointed out the possible risks of abuses posed by this provision and possible use of it for other purposes in order to “violate the rights of citizens, treat them roughly.”
Despite the objections, 94 MPs supported the amendments, 2 voted against, 3 abstained, and 7 did not vote.
The Legislative Chamber passed the amendments on November 28, but there has been no report on the document’s review in the Senate. We were unable to clarify whether the version of the bill that will be considered on Thursday includes the provision on discrediting law enforcement officers.
The chief of the Anti-Corruption Agency, Akmal Burkhanov, noted that the provision on punishment for publishing photos and videos of law enforcement officers on the Internet “for the purpose of discrediting” contradicts the policy of openness. The Yuksalish movement asked the Senate to take into account public objections.
On January 11, the Senate Committee held a discussion of the bill. Journalists opposed this provision, pointing out the risks of abuse. The senator and representatives of the Interior Ministry tried to explain the importance of this article, although the problem under discussion concerned approximately 0.2% of employees (only in the Ministry of Internal Affairs system, while the amendments were proposed to be extended to all law enforcement agencies, including the prosecutor's office, the National Guard, the Customs Committee and others).
The resolution of the lower house of parliament dated November 28 states that if the Senate fails to pass a decision on this bill within 60 days from the date of its receipt by the Senate, it shall be sent directly to the president.
The Legislative Chamber told that they sent the law within the specified time frame. According to our information, the document was supposed to be submitted to the Senate on December 5-6, 2023.
The Senate was supposed to hold a meeting before February 5-6 and make a decision on this bill or, according to the rules, send it to the president for signing.
At the upcoming meeting, the Senate will also consider the Approval of the Business Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bill, the constitutional Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bill, the Protection of children from all forms of violence Bill and others.
