Senate approves treaty on prisoner transfer between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to transfer imprisoned citizens to their respective home countries. This is outlined in the law "On the Ratification of the Treaty between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic on the Transfer of Persons Deprived of Liberty to Continue Serving a Sentence," which was approved today, March 18, at the fifth plenary session of the Senate.  

The primary goal of the treaty is to allow convicts to serve their sentences in their home country, closer to their families. The agreement clearly defines the grounds, conditions, and procedures for transferring convicts.  

The document also addresses key issues such as the costs associated with prisoner transfers, dispute resolution mechanisms, communication languages, amendments to the treaty, and its entry into force. The Prosecutor General’s Offices of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan are designated as the central authorities responsible for implementing the agreement.  

The ratification of this treaty will enable convicts to serve their sentences in their home country, which is expected to facilitate their social rehabilitation.  

"Undoubtedly, serving a sentence in one’s home country will provide the opportunity for regular meetings with close relatives, positively impact family relationships, and accelerate the convict’s reintegration into society," the report states.  

Following the discussion, the Senate approved the law.  

For reference, the agreement on the transfer of convicts between the two countries was signed on July 18, 2024, in Tashkent. In January of this year, the Kyrgyz Parliament adopted the draft law in its third reading. Deputy Prosecutor General of Kyrgyzstan Umutkan Konkubayeva informed lawmakers that 42 Kyrgyz citizens are currently serving sentences in Uzbekistan, while 97 Uzbek citizens are imprisoned in Kyrgyzstan. Under the treaty, all these individuals will continue serving their sentences in their home countries.  

It should be noted that on November 25, 2023, at the 47th plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis, Uzbekistan approved a similar treaty on the extradition and transfer of convicted persons between Uzbekistan and Italy. Additionally, on January 20, 2024, the Senate ratified an agreement with Iran on prisoner transfers, which was signed in Tehran on June 18, 2023.