Complaint-based procedure introduced for slander and insults

Individuals who commit slander or insults in Uzbekistan can now be held administratively liable based on a complaint filed by the victim. Relevant amendments and additions have been made to the Code of Administrative Responsibility.

The newly adopted law also includes changes aimed at abolishing administrative liability for certain minor offenses. In particular, administrative penalties have been removed for:

•  Damaging payphones
•  Installing or using unauthorized radio transmitters

Under the updated code, offenses such as slander and insult will now require a formal complaint from the victim in order to initiate legal proceedings against the offender.

However, in cases where the victim is a minor, in a helpless state, or otherwise unable to defend their rights, an authorized official is permitted to initiate proceedings without a complaint.

The law will come into effect upon its official publication.

As a reminder, Uzbekistan previously introduced a new procedure for the registration of citizens and stateless persons at their place of residence.