Interim President signs law “On internal affairs bodies”

The Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan passed the law on 12 August and Senate approved it on 24 August. The law was published in local media on 17 September and it will come into force six months later.

The law defines the system and the structure of the internal affairs bodies, their rights, duties and powers, the requirements for their employees, as well as measures of their legal and social protection.

The law sets out the basic objectives, directions and principles of activity of law enforcement bodies. They are entrusted with the protection of the rights, freedoms and lawful interests of citizens, public order and public safety, the property of businesses and individuals.

The establishment of specific responsibilities of internal affairs agencies, including the protection of rights, freedoms and lawful interests of citizens, the property of legal entities and individuals, prevention, detection, suppression of crimes and other offenses, ensuring the safety of citizens in public places increases their responsibility in front of the society and state.

It also sets minimal requirements for hiring employees to the internal affairs bodies, the terms of its passage.

Employees of the internal affairs bodies are prohibited to justify their illegal actions (inaction) during the performance of official duties refer to service interests, economic feasibility, illegal demands, orders and orders of superior officers or any other circumstances, or other irrelevant to the law. They are also forbidden to incite, induce and encourage anyone to commit unlawful acts directly or indirectly.

The law also bans employees to use torture, violence and other cruel or degrading treatment. They are also required to prevent actions, which intentionally inflict pain, physical or mental suffering to the citizens.

According to the document, the Ministry of Internal Affairs reports directly to the President, and on specific issues in accordance with the law to the Cabinet of Ministers.

President of Uzbekistan appoints Minister of the Interior Affairs on the proposal of the Prime Minister and dismisses the Minister. Deputy Ministers are appointed and dismissed by the President.