Uzbekistan Senate Tightens Parole and Probation Controls

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan has approved a law aimed at further improving the human rights protection system, developing the criminal-executive system, and increasing the effectiveness of the probation institute.

The document introduces amendments and additions to several legislative acts, including the Criminal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code, the Criminal Executive Code, and the law on detention during criminal proceedings.

Under the approved changes to the Criminal Code, supervision over individuals released on parole is strengthened. They will be required to regularly register with authorized bodies, a measure aimed at improving probation mechanisms and preventing repeat offenses, as noted during discussions.

The law also introduces the possibility for either the individual concerned or their lawyer to submit a petition to the court when considering the full or partial cancellation of obligations imposed on a parolee.

Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code clarify the procedure for revoking parole. Such cases will now be reviewed by a judge of a district or city criminal court at the place of residence of the convicted person.

In addition, the Criminal Executive Code is supplemented with a new chapter establishing legal mechanisms for monitoring parolees, defining their obligations and the procedure for terminating supervision.

Separate amendments affect conditions of detention in pre-trial detention centers. Under changes to the law on detention during criminal proceedings, individuals held in remand centers must be allowed at least two hours of outdoor exercise on weekends and public holidays. The amount of money available for purchasing food and essential goods is also increased to the equivalent of one minimum wage.

Senators emphasized that the adopted measures aim to strengthen crime prevention, improve rehabilitation mechanisms, and further ensure human rights and freedoms. The law was approved following consideration.