Uzbekistan introduces mandatory health checks for detainees to curb torture

Arrested individuals will now undergo a mandatory medical examination before being placed in a pretrial detention facility. Any injuries or signs of physical harm detected during the check-up will be promptly reported to the prosecutor’s office.

Amendments have been made to the Law “On the Procedure for Holding Suspects and Accused Persons in Custody During Criminal Proceedings”, specifically aimed at preventing torture and ill-treatment of detainees.

Under the new provisions, every arrested person must undergo a medical examination upon arrival at the detention center (SIZO).

The examination must be carried out within two hours of their delivery to the facility. If the detainee consents, their lawyer may also be present during the examination.

Following the examination, an official medical report will be issued.

Any bodily injuries, bruises, or wounds discovered on the detainee will be documented and immediately reported to the prosecutor’s office for further investigation.