Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has introduced criminal liability for undergoing training with the intent to organize mass riots.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a law amending Article 244 of the Criminal Code.

According to the amendments, criminal penalties now apply not only to those who directly organize riots but also to individuals undergoing training for this purpose, as well as those financing such activities.

If a person acquires theoretical and practical skills related to organizing mass riots, handling weapons, explosives, toxic substances, or other dangerous materials, they face a fine ranging from 300 to 600 sizes of basic estimated value, corrective labor for up to three years, or imprisonment for a term of five to seven years.

However, exemption from criminal liability is provided if an individual voluntarily reports their involvement in such training to the authorities, assists in uncovering the crime, identifies organizers, financiers, and training locations, and has not committed other offenses.

The law takes effect upon its official publication.