Senate Tightens Liability for Violence Against Children, Food Safety Violations and Organized Crime
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s Senate has approved a package of laws aimed at strengthening child protection, improving food safety, preventing discrimination in the workplace and tackling organized crime. The measures were considered during the 20th plenary session of the upper house of parliament.
One of the laws improves the system for protecting children from all forms of violence. It introduces amendments to the Criminal, Criminal Procedure, Penal Enforcement and Labour Codes, the Code of Administrative Responsibility and several other laws.
Sexual violence against children under the age of 14 will be punishable by up to 25 years in prison or life imprisonment. Statutes of limitations will not apply to prosecution or enforcement of sentences for these crimes. A person convicted of an intentional crime resulting in the death of a child cannot receive a suspended sentence or be released on parole.
To prevent repeated psychological trauma during investigations and court proceedings, questioning of minors who have suffered violence will be video-recorded. A confrontation between the child victim and the accused may be held only on the basis of a decision by an authorized official or a court ruling. A lawyer will be provided to the child at state expense from the beginning of the proceedings. The law also allows employment contracts with workers of educational and childcare institutions to be terminated if they commit violence against a child.
Another law raises administrative liability for accepting for sale or selling food products after their expiration date, as well as products that are required to carry a production date and expiry date but do not contain this information.
Amendments to the Labour Code establish the inadmissibility of sexual harassment in employment and occupational activities. “Skin colour” and “political views” are also included among forms of discrimination in the workplace.
The Senate also approved measures to strengthen liability for organized crime. The Criminal Code will introduce liability for financing the activities of a criminal organization, organizing such an organization, as well as aiding or inciting the concealment of crimes committed by it through abuse of authority or official position. Liability is also increased for hooliganism committed by an organized group and for serious bodily harm resulting from such acts.
Criminal liability will additionally be established for the illegal organization or conduct of sports competitions in combat sports, while administrative liability will apply to participation in such competitions.
Following the discussions, all four laws were approved by the senators.
Sexual violence against children under the age of 14 will be punishable by up to 25 years in prison or life imprisonment. Statutes of limitations will not apply to prosecution or enforcement of sentences for these crimes. A person convicted of an intentional crime resulting in the death of a child cannot receive a suspended sentence or be released on parole.
To prevent repeated psychological trauma during investigations and court proceedings, questioning of minors who have suffered violence will be video-recorded. A confrontation between the child victim and the accused may be held only on the basis of a decision by an authorized official or a court ruling. A lawyer will be provided to the child at state expense from the beginning of the proceedings. The law also allows employment contracts with workers of educational and childcare institutions to be terminated if they commit violence against a child.
Another law raises administrative liability for accepting for sale or selling food products after their expiration date, as well as products that are required to carry a production date and expiry date but do not contain this information.
Amendments to the Labour Code establish the inadmissibility of sexual harassment in employment and occupational activities. “Skin colour” and “political views” are also included among forms of discrimination in the workplace.
The Senate also approved measures to strengthen liability for organized crime. The Criminal Code will introduce liability for financing the activities of a criminal organization, organizing such an organization, as well as aiding or inciting the concealment of crimes committed by it through abuse of authority or official position. Liability is also increased for hooliganism committed by an organized group and for serious bodily harm resulting from such acts.
Criminal liability will additionally be established for the illegal organization or conduct of sports competitions in combat sports, while administrative liability will apply to participation in such competitions.
Following the discussions, all four laws were approved by the senators.
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