Uzbekistan introduces criminal liability for organizing and financing mass riots (video)

On December 11, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis approved a draft law introducing amendments and additions to Article 244 of the Criminal Code, which addresses mass riots. The draft law was adopted in the first reading.

During the session, Deputy Prosecutor General Svetlana Ortikova explained the proposed changes. She emphasized the need for clearer provisions on liability, noting that the current law does not sufficiently address certain aspects of mass riots.

“Is there criminal liability for training, preparing weapons, or explosives to commit mass riots?” she questioned, highlighting the gaps in the existing legislation.

Ortikova also stressed the importance of criminalizing the financing of mass riots.

“It is necessary to introduce criminal liability for this act. Accordingly, it is proposed to add parts 3 and 4 to Article 244 of the Criminal Code,” she said.

The amendments aim not only to impose punishment but also to prevent the occurrence of mass riots. Ortykova underscored that mass riots pose a serious threat to public safety, and, under the new provisions, any form of preparation or participation in such activities will be subject to legal accountability.

It was reported that these legislative changes will not require additional state budget expenditures. The project has been coordinated with key government bodies, including the Supreme Court, the State Security Service, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice.

Under the current version of Article 244 of the Criminal Code, penalties for offenses such as inciting public disorder, resisting law enforcement with a weapon, and similar crimes range from fines of 300 basic calculation amount (BCA) to up to 15 years in prison.

The draft law, which aims to close existing legal loopholes, was adopted in the first reading.