Uzbekistan Senate Shields Courts From Interference With New Law

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan's Senate has approved legislation strengthening the criminal and administrative penalties for interference in judicial proceedings, responding to documented cases of pressure on courts that reformers say continue to undermine public trust in the justice system.

The Law "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan" was passed at the 16th plenary session of the Oliy Majlis upper chamber, introducing targeted changes to both the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Responsibility.

On the criminal side, the law sharpens existing provisions on interference in the administration of justice, refining the scope and severity of liability for those who seek to improperly influence judicial proceedings. On the administrative side, it establishes new sanctions for violations of courtroom order and acts of contempt of court — offenses that previously lacked clearly codified consequences.

The legislation was framed as an implementation of new constitutional norms adopted as part of Uzbekistan's ongoing judicial reform agenda. Senators noted during debate that despite systemic progress in the sector, cases of unlawful interference in court activities continue to be recorded — a candid acknowledgment of persistent institutional vulnerabilities.

The law's path to passage was not straightforward. The Senate had previously returned the draft to the Legislative Chamber for revision through a reconciliation commission. The revised version incorporates what lawmakers described as the most pressing provisions needed to guarantee genuine judicial independence, suggesting earlier iterations were deemed insufficient.

Senators said adoption of the law would reinforce guarantees of judicial inviolability, deter unlawful interference in court operations, and raise the overall effectiveness of justice delivery across the country.