Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At its seventh plenary session, the Senate of Uzbekistan reviewed and approved the Law “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Improvement of the Institution of Coercive Measures in Criminal Procedure.”

During the discussion, senators emphasized that Uzbekistan is undergoing wide-ranging reforms aimed at building an effective and reliable system for protecting human rights and freedoms. These reforms are guided by the principle “In the Name of Human Honor and Dignity” and seek to reinforce legal guarantees in the operations of judicial and law enforcement bodies, while strengthening public trust in the justice system.

It was noted that this Law is a natural continuation of those systemic reforms and is part of efforts to implement the goals set forth in the “Uzbekistan – 2030” Strategy.

The law introduces a number of changes and additions to the Criminal Procedure Code, as well as to the Laws “On the Prosecutor’s Office” and “On the Courts.” Notably, a new chapter has been added to the Criminal Procedure Code, regulating the objectives and grounds for temporarily restricting a citizen’s right to leave the Republic of Uzbekistan. The new provisions define the procedure for initiating motions for such restrictions, the process for reviewing them, the determination of the competent court, and the issuance or denial of a temporary travel restriction order.

Additional amendments to legislation on the courts and the prosecutor’s office provide for judicial review of motions to suspend a passport or travel document, and grant prosecutors the authority to submit such motions to the courts with appropriate consent.

Senators highlighted the importance of this legislative act, noting that it aims to enhance the protection of citizens' rights and freedoms and to improve the overall quality of justice in the country.

The law was unanimously approved following the Senate's deliberations.