Translated with AI
Uzbek authorities intend to toughen penalties for crimes involving violence against women and children. Specifically, they propose imposing life imprisonment for those convicted of pedophilia, as well as introducing administrative arrest for up to five days for sexual harassment. These initiatives were discussed at a meeting chaired by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, according to the head of state's press service.
It is noted that the innovations were prepared by the coordinating council based on proposals from the general public, relevant experts, and taking into account best international practices.
The presidential press service emphasizes that Shavkat Mirziyoyev, having approved these initiatives, signed a decree instructing the responsible ministries and agencies to amend current legislation in the near future.
In particular, the Prosecutor General's Office, the Supreme Court, the National Agency for Social Protection, and the Ministry of Justice have been instructed to prepare a bill amending the Criminal Code within three months.
The document should provide for punishment in the form of life imprisonment and long prison terms for persons previously convicted of crimes against the sexual freedom of minors, engaging in sexual intercourse with them, and committing indecent acts.
It was also reported that, starting November 1 of this year, pre-investigation checks and preliminary investigations in cases involving sexual violence will be handled exclusively by the prosecutor's office.
We are talking about cases initiated under the following articles of the Criminal Code:
118 – "Rape"; 119 – "Forcible satisfaction of sexual desire in an unnatural form"; 121 — “Forcing a person to engage in sexual intercourse”; 128 – "Sexual intercourse with a person under sixteen years of age"; 128-1 — “Entering into sexual intercourse with a person between the ages of sixteen and eighteen by providing material assets or property or other benefits”; 129 – "Indecent acts against a person under sixteen years of age."
A presidential decree established a rule according to which those convicted under Articles 118 and 119 of the Criminal Code of Uzbekistan are not subject to transfer to a penal colony.
Moreover, improvement of conditions of detention for such prisoners will only be possible after they complete a psychological correction program.
It was also reported that, starting January 1, 2027, cases involving violence against women and children will be handled by investigators and judges who have undergone special training. In this regard, a program titled "Procedural Aspects of Working with Women and Children Victims of Crime" will be introduced in specialized educational institutions.
In addition, according to a presidential decree, starting April 1, 2026, the National Agency for Social Protection's my.ihma.uz app will be installed on the phones, tablets, and other devices of women with a restraining order.
This software will allow citizens to promptly report cases of harassment and violence to law enforcement agencies using the SOS function.
