Electronic bracelets for persons under house arrest will be introduced in Uzbekistan

Starting January 1, 2025, Uzbekistan will gradually introduce a system for remotely monitoring the presence of individuals under house arrest or serving imprisonment sentences. The monitoring will be conducted in real time at the location where the preventive measure or punishment is being enforced. This initiative was outlined in a resolution adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers on December 5 of this year.  

The development of the electronic bracelet and its software was part of an applied scientific research project carried out by the Research Institute of Criminology under a state order. The technology underwent testing in 14 regions of Uzbekistan, including within internal affairs bodies responsible for public order, crime prevention, and probation services. Following successful testing, it has been deemed ready for full implementation.  

The resolution also approved a regulation governing the procedure for remotely monitoring individuals under house arrest or those sentenced to restrictions of liberty using an electronic bracelet.  

The electronic bracelet is worn on the calf of the leg of the person under house arrest or serving a sentence involving a restriction of liberty. If it is not possible to wear the bracelet on the calf due to medical reasons, such as fractures or other injuries requiring treatment, it can be worn on the arm.  

Special provisions apply for women, as the bracelet must be put on and removed by a female officer — specifically, a senior inspector for women's issues from the crime prevention department of the public security service within the internal affairs body.  

Certain categories of individuals are exempt from wearing an electronic bracelet:  
- Persons under 18 years of age;  
- Pregnant women;  
- Women with children under three years of age;  
- Persons with first- or second-degree disabilities;  
- Persons with medical conditions that contraindicate the use of the bracelet, such as those with implanted pacemakers or infectious skin diseases (e.g., allergic contact dermatitis, fungal infections, or scabies).  

For individuals on probation who fail to comply with the conditions of their sentence or are found administratively liable for public order violations during their sentence, an electronic bracelet may be imposed. The decision to apply the bracelet in such cases is made by the head of the probation department of the relevant district (city) internal affairs body.  

If the electronic bracelet signals a low battery, detects its removal, or records that the individual has gone beyond the designated monitoring radius, executive officers are immediately notified. The incident is also recorded in the "Electronic Bracelet" information system.  

If a person under house arrest or subject to a restriction of liberty flees from the designated location, district (city) internal affairs officers are required to take measures to detain the individual in accordance with the law.  

It is noteworthy that on August 7 of this year, the President signed the Law "On Probation," which provides for the use of electronic bracelets for individuals on probation. This includes those who have been administratively held accountable for public order violations while serving a sentence of restricted liberty.