Authorities warn against wearing military and administrative-style clothing

In Uzbekistan, using clothing resembling military or official uniforms may soon incur legal responsibility. A draft law addressing this issue was submitted for public discussion by the Prosecutor General’s Office on September 2.

According to the draft, an addition will be made to Article 209¹ of the Administrative Liability Code. Under the proposed amendment, individuals found guilty of introducing or using clothing that imitates or resembles military or official uniforms, in terms of color, tailoring, distinguishing marks, or other features, may face fines ranging from five to ten times the base calculation amount.

The first part of the article is also planned to be expressed as follows:

’’Wearing uniforms intended for military personnel or employees of ministries, agencies, and organizations, including approved military, official, and special uniforms, as well as clothing bearing distinguishing marks or symbols of such uniforms, by individuals without the right to do so, will lead to confiscation of the uniform and a fine ranging from two to five times the base calculation amount’’.

Under this draft law, committing a crime while using the uniform or documents of an official without being an authorized representative of the authorities will be classified as an aggravating circumstance.

Additionally, part 1 of Article 56 of the Criminal Code will be amended. Subparagraphs ’’o’’ and ’’p’’ will replace the existing ’’o’’ as follows:

• o) committing a crime while intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics, their analogues, psychotropic, or other substances affecting a person’s mental capacity;
• p) committing a crime while using the uniform or documents of an official without being an authorized representative of the authorities.

Currently, legislation provides liability only for wearing approved military, official, or special uniforms without proper authorization. This means that modifying elements of such uniforms (chevrons, shoulder boards, etc.) does not incur liability. Under the new norm, wearing clothing resembling the approved uniform of a law enforcement or other authorized body will also be punishable.

The public discussion of the draft law will continue until September 19.