Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Senate of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis approved at its 20th plenary session a law aimed at strengthening liability for organised crime and offences against public order.
The document introduces amendments and additions to a number of legislative acts in response to changes in methods of committing crimes and the emergence of new forms of organised criminal activity.
One of the key amendments is the addition of a provision to the Criminal Code establishing liability for financing the activities of a criminal organisation. Liability is also established for creating such an organisation, as well as for aiding and inciting the concealment of crimes committed by it through abuse of power or official position.
The amendments also concern liability for hooliganism. In particular, penalties are being strengthened for hooliganism committed by an organised group. Criminal liability is also established for hooliganism committed as part of an organised group by persons who were 14 years old or older at the time of the offence.
Separate provisions strengthen liability for intentionally causing serious bodily injury as a result of hooliganism, as well as for causing serious bodily injury that results in the victim’s death.
The law also introduces criminal liability for the illegal organisation or holding of sports competitions in combat sports. At the same time, the Code of Administrative Responsibility is supplemented with separate measures of liability for participation in such competitions.
In addition, procedural provisions specifying the bodies authorised to investigate the relevant offences are being clarified.
During the discussion, senators noted that the measures are aimed, among other things, at restricting the financial resources of criminal organisations, increasing the effectiveness of efforts to combat organised crime, protecting young people from the influence of the criminal environment and preventing violent crimes with serious consequences.
Following consideration, the law was approved by the senators.
