New law introduces punishment for training to incite riots in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has introduced new legal measures to penalize individuals trained to incite mass riots. Under the law adopted today, March 27, amendments have been made to the Criminal Code to address this issue.  

The law introduces changes to Article 244 of the Criminal Code, establishing liability for individuals who undergo training to commit mass riots and those who finance such activities.  

According to the amendment, any person who undergoes training with the intent to incite mass unrest—including acquiring knowledge, practical skills, and techniques related to mass riots—will be held accountable. This includes training in handling weapons, explosive devices, explosives, poisons, and other hazardous materials.  

However, the law also provides an exemption from criminal liability for individuals who voluntarily report their training to the authorities, actively assist in exposing the crime, help identify other trained individuals or those responsible for organizing and financing the training, and disclose training locations—provided their actions do not involve other criminal offenses.  

For reference, the current Article 244 of the Criminal Code stipulates penalties ranging from a fine equivalent to 300 times the minimum wage to up to 15 years in prison for inciting mass riots, resisting government representatives with weapons, and similar offenses.  

This law will take effect upon its official publication.  

It is worth recalling that on December 11 last year, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis approved a draft law introducing amendments and additions to Article 244 of the Criminal Code concerning mass riots.