Senate approves law expanding use of national flag with respectful guidelines

In a significant development, the Senate has passed a law easing the conditions for the use of the national flag, granting citizens broader opportunities to display their patriotism. The amendments, approved during the forty-second plenary session of the Senate on June 23, bring changes to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the State Flag of the Republic of Uzbekistan."

Under the newly approved legislation, the national flag can now be proudly displayed during sports competitions, mass physical education and cultural events, official international gatherings, family celebrations, commemorative occasions, funerals of esteemed figures from society and the state, military events, and various other significant moments. It emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting the flag on such occasions.

The law specifically outlines various contexts in which citizens are encouraged to utilize symbols featuring the national flag. These include public spaces, buildings, residences, workplaces, vehicle salons, official international events, uniforms, badges worn by military personnel and state officials, as well as the preparation of sports clothing for international sports competitions and championships in Uzbekistan.

However, it is important to note that the law strictly prohibits the use of the flag or any symbols bearing its image in a manner that violates the rules of etiquette, social behavior, or that could be deemed offensive.

During the Senate's deliberations on the law, additional amendments were proposed to further enhance the connection between the population, particularly the youth, and their love, pride, and patriotism towards their country. It was emphasized that these changes would serve to deepen the relationship between the people and their national flag.

The call for greater freedom in using the flag was highlighted earlier on May 30 at the UzLiDeP congress, where Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the party's nominee, emphasized the importance of unrestricted flag usage.

Recalling a recent incident at the "Chim" farmer's market in the Qamashi district of the Kashkadarya region on May 5, a video had surfaced showing a young man being approached by officers from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for wearing a ribbon with the national flag. The Regional Department of Internal Affairs clarified that the citizen had been stopped in accordance with the provisions of the "On State Symbols" law, as wearing the flag in that manner was deemed disrespectful to state symbols. However, the decision against the young man was later overturned after he expressed his opposition to the actions of the DIA officers. An administrative case was opened against him, but it was subsequently annulled.