Uzbekistan Move to Ban Uniforms Resembling State Attire

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan passed in its first reading a draft law introducing administrative liability for the unauthorized use of uniforms dangerously similar to military or official state agency attire.

During the parliamentary session, lawmakers noted that official uniforms of state agencies, ministries, and departments allow the public to identify an employee's organizational affiliation and signify legal authority and responsibility. Consequently, official attire is regarded as a symbol of public service.

At the same time, cases have been recorded in recent years where organizations, institutions, and individual citizens used clothing confusingly similar to officially approved uniforms. Some non-governmental entities also introduced such uniforms for their employees.

According to the bill's authors, this practice can mislead citizens, diminish the authority of state bodies, and enable individuals to impersonate public officials, thereby abusing public trust.

To address this issue, the bill proposes amending Uzbekistan's Code of Administrative Responsibility to establish liability for introducing or wearing clothing confusingly similar to approved military or official departmental uniforms, including attire featuring characteristic insignia or symbols.

The proposed amendments aim to protect the rights and interests of citizens, strengthen trust in state authorities, uphold the prestige of public service, and prevent the misuse of official uniforms for illegal or self-serving purposes.

During discussions, deputies examined the potential impact of the new provisions on law enforcement practice and submitted proposals to refine specific terms of