566 people who committed corruption crimes returned to government jobs and reoffended

In 2023, 566 individuals in Uzbekistan who had previously committed corruption crimes were re-admitted to public service and subsequently engaged in corrupt activities again. This was announced by Deputy Umida Rahmonova at the Legislative Chamber meeting today, September 10.

The deputy questioned Akmal Burhonov, Director of the Anti-Corruption Agency, who presented a report at the meeting, asking when the public registry of individuals found guilty of corruption crimes would be launched. She noted that the recurrence of such incidents is due to the absence of a public registry for those convicted of corruption.

According to Burhonov, the initial draft of the law was developed in early 2022, agreed upon with relevant ministries and agencies during the past period, and submitted to the Presidential Administration earlier this year.

"However, there were several objections from the administration, and the task of further improving the draft based on international experience was assigned. We have since refined the draft law and plan to submit the final version to the Legislative Chamber through the President's administration in the coming days. I believe we will bring this law to your attention by the end of this month," he stated.

For reference, maintaining an open electronic register of corrupt individuals was mandated by the Presidential Decree of July 6, 2021. According to the decree, the relevant bill was to be submitted to the President's administration by October 1, 2021.

It is also worth noting that a previous Presidential decree, "On measures to create an environment of intolerance against corruption, to sharply reduce corrupt practices in state and community management, and to expand public participation," required the declaration of income and property by civil servants. However, the draft law on the declaration of property and income by civil servants has been delayed for several years.