The bill was discussed and approved at the 18th plenary session of the Oliy Majlis Senate. It amends the Criminal Code, the Code of Administrative Responsibility and several other laws.
Under the current rules, certain acts involving the production, possession or distribution of materials with extremist content can result directly in criminal liability. Under the new legislation, first-time offenses involving the production or possession for distribution of materials promoting extremism, separatism or fundamentalism, as well as the production or possession of attributes or symbols of extremist and terrorist organizations for the purpose of distributing or displaying them, would result in administrative liability.
Criminal liability would apply only if the same offense is committed again after an administrative penalty has been imposed.
Senators said the approach is intended to protect the rights of people who have gone astray while creating an opportunity for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The legislation would also allow people involved in the possession or distribution of materials posing a threat to public safety and order to be exempted from criminal liability if they promptly notify the authorities and actively help prevent serious consequences, provided their actions do not constitute another crime.
Penalties for extremist organizations to be differentiated
The bill also revises and differentiates penalties for establishing, leading or participating in extremist, separatist, fundamentalist or other prohibited organizations.
Under current legislation, all of these activities can carry the same punishment of up to 15 years in prison. The proposed system would introduce lighter penalties for participation in such organizations, which is considered a less serious offense, while imposing harsher sanctions for establishing or leading them.
‘Religious extremism’ to be replaced with ‘extremism’
One of the key changes is the replacement of the term “religious extremism” with “extremism”.
According to the Senate, the change is intended to prevent extremism from being legally associated with a particular religion and establish a uniform legal approach.
The bill also provides a more precise definition of “extremism”, which has previously been open to differing interpretations under existing legislation. Instead of the broad and vague wording currently used, the concept would be defined through eight specific types of conduct.
Senators said this would help prevent subjective and overly broad interpretations in law enforcement practice.
New mechanisms for prevention and protection
The legislation also introduces new mechanisms for preventing extremist activity and strengthening public safety.
Special state programs for preventing and combating extremism would be developed and implemented, with their approval placed under the direct authority of the president of Uzbekistan.
A unified electronic register of extremist organizations and materials would also be established to improve transparency and strengthen monitoring.
People who promptly report extremist activity or threats to law enforcement agencies would be guaranteed confidentiality of their personal information. The legislation would also establish mechanisms for state protection, including security measures, as well as material and other forms of support for those who provide such information.
Another provision establishes state support for scientific research in the field of countering extremism, a mechanism that has not previously been formally provided for in legislation.
The Senate approved the bill following the discussions.
