Lawmakers advance bill to expand detainee rights in Uzbekistan

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis approved a draft law in its first reading on 18 November aimed at expanding the rights of individuals held in custody. The legislation seeks to improve conditions in pre-trial detention centers and amend existing regulations.

One of the key proposed changes is the extension of outdoor exercise time. On weekends and public holidays, detainees would be entitled to at least two hours of outdoor time, instead of the current one hour.

Another significant amendment concerns financial restrictions. Under the proposal, detainees would be allowed to spend 100 percent of their earnings. At present, they may spend only up to 50 percent of the minimum monthly wage – UZS 635,500. If adopted, the limit would be raised to the full minimum monthly wage, amounting to UZS 1,271,000.

The draft law will be reviewed in a second reading after further revision and discussion.