Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Senate of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis approved at its 20th plenary session a law establishing a unified procedural framework for applying immunity provisions to certain categories of individuals.
As noted during the discussion, the relevant guarantees are currently set out in various sector-specific legislative acts. The absence of a unified procedure for applying them in practice has raised legal questions.
The amendments affect the Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Code of Administrative Responsibility, the Law “On Operational-Investigative Activities” and other legislative acts.
In particular, new chapters are being added to the Criminal Procedure Code and the Code of Administrative Responsibility. The amendments also systematise the list of persons enjoying immunity. It includes deputies, judges, the Ombudsman, prosecutors, compliance service employees, lawyers and other persons with the relevant status.
The law also defines the authorised bodies and procedures for carrying out procedural actions involving such persons. In particular, it establishes rules for initiating criminal cases, obtaining the necessary approvals, detention, arrest, searches and other investigative actions.
According to senators, establishing a unified procedure is aimed at ensuring legal guarantees for persons with the relevant status and protecting them from unjustified prosecution and pressure. The provisions are also intended to create conditions for them to perform their official duties independently and reduce the risk of abuses by law enforcement agencies.
Following consideration, the law was approved by members of the Senate.
