Uzbekistan Tightens Laws on Child Sexual Abuse Materials

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law further strengthening the system for protecting children from violence and improving a number of legislative acts.

According to amendments to the Criminal Code, liability has been introduced for the possession of pornographic materials intended for distribution that contain images or descriptions of minors, provided the person was aware of this content.

The law also establishes penalties for repeated commission of the offense after administrative punishment has been applied.

The penalties include fines ranging from 100 to 600 base calculation units, as well as alternative sanctions such as corrective labor for up to three years, restriction of liberty from one to three years, or imprisonment for up to three years.

In addition, criminal legislation introduces the concept of a legal representative of a minor witness. When a child is involved as a witness, parents, adoptive parents, guardians, trustees, or representatives of guardianship authorities may be involved to protect the child’s rights and interests during proceedings.

The decision on participation of a legal representative is formalized through a procedural act issued by an investigator, inquiry officer, prosecutor, or court.

The law also establishes administrative liability for possession of pornographic materials involving minors for the purpose of distribution when the content is knowingly recognized.

The law comes into force upon official publication.