The National Guard has been given the authority to issue fines

The law "On Amendments to the Code of Administrative Responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan” states that the National Guard has now been granted certain powers to draw up reports  and review cases on administrative offenses.

Currently,  the National Guard bodies are entrusted with the tasks of crime prevention, protection of state facilities, property of individuals and legal entities, maintenance of public order, and patrolling in public places.

However, in order to fully implement the aforementioned tasks and respond promptly to any detected violations, it is essential for the National Guard to prepare reports on administrive violations and be empowered to consider cases requiring such measures.

Following the activities carried out by the National Guard in 2022 to maintain public order and ensure public safety, it was reported that 44 illegally stored pneumatic and hunting weapons and 3202 pieces of ammunition were confiscated.  It has been made clear that the National Guard military servicemen and employees are not authorized to conduct proceedings (draw up a report) on violations such as these, so any documents in relation to such cases will be handed over to other law enforcement agencies.  This in turn causes an excessive paper trail which may lead to a loss of reports regarding violations.  

In this regard, at the next plenary session of the Senate, the law “On Amendments to the Code of Administrative Responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan” was considered.  According to this law, the National Guard may draw up reports and verify them in cases of administrative offenses which relate to petty harassment, the illegal use of weapons, carrying cold weapons, or objects that can be used as cold weapons.  Additional powers that permit the sending of these cases to court for consideration, are being given.    

Further cases which may be sent to court for consideration include: influencing a minor to commit an administrative offense, engaging in antisocial behavior, consuming alcohol in public places, preparing, storing, or distributing materials which promote national, racial, ethnic or religious hatred. Also, begging and illegal participation in gambling and other risk- based games.

In this case, the authority to review cases of this category is retained in the Internal Affairs bodies, but if the violation is detected by the National Guard employees, they are given the right to apply a fine.  In order to ensure legality in the consideration of cases of administrative violations and to prevent cases of unjustified prosecution on behalf of the National Guard bodies, it has been determined that department heads and their deputies who are specified in the law, have the right to consider case violations and apply a fine if necessary.  This law was approved by senators.