President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a law strengthening liability for involving minors in antisocial behavior.
Under the amendments, the fine for involving a minor in consuming alcohol or other substances that affect mental and volitional functions has been increased from 100–200 to 150–250 times the base calculation amount, provided the offender has previously received an administrative penalty for the same offense. This corresponds to fines of approximately UZS 66 million to UZS 110 million.
Other penalties include 360–400 hours of compulsory community service, corrective labor for up to three years, or restriction of liberty or imprisonment for three to five years. Previously, the maximum prison sentence for this offense was three years.
The law also increases prison terms for involving minors in the use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or their analogues, as well as certain potent substances, from three–five years to five–seven years.
If the offense is committed repeatedly, involves two or more minors, takes place on the premises of an educational institution, or results in a death or other serious consequences, the offender faces seven to 10 years in prison. Previously, the law prescribed prison terms of five to 10 years for such aggravated cases.
