Uzbekistan toughens punishment for bribing

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a law “On introduction of changes and amendments, as well as abolishment of some legislative acts of Uzbekistan” on 14 May 2014.

Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan passed the law on 2 April 2014 and the Senate passed it on 10 April 2014. The law came into force on 15 May 2014.

The amendments were introduced to article 211 (Bribe) and 212 (Mediation in bribery) of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan.

According to new article 211, the bribe will be punished with fine at the size from 50 to 100 sizes of minimal salary or jail up to five years.

The bribe, given by person, who already committed the same crime, will be punished with jail sentence from 5 to 10 years.

The bribe, which is given in interest of organized group or official, are punished with jail sentence from 10 to 15 years.

The persons, who gave a bribe, will be freed from responsibility if they informed about corruption within 30 days and helped to disclose the crime.

In line with article 2012 of the Criminal Code, mediation for bribing will be punished with a fine at the size of 50 to 100 minimal sizes of salary or jailed for five years.

The same crime, committed by persons, who already were punished for similar crime, will receive jail term from 5 to 10 years.

The crime, committed for interests of criminal group or officials, will be punished with the jail term from 10 to 15 years.

The person, who mediated bribing and voluntary reported about the crime to officials, will be released from any responsibility.