Minors convicted of non-serious crimes to be considered “not convicted”

A person who has served a sentence for a non-serious crime committed before the age of 18 will now be considered not convicted. This is stated in the law “On Amendments and Additions to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Further Liberalization of Criminal Liability for Minors,” which was discussed on August 1 at the 9th plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis.

It is noted that in recent years, Uzbekistan has implemented large-scale reforms aimed at protecting the legitimate interests of children and ensuring their rights and freedoms through state support.

According to statistics, in 2023, 1,911 minors were prosecuted and convicted in the country, while in 2024, this number increased to 2,214. Last year, 1,238 crimes of low social risk were committed by minors, along with 855 less serious crimes.

This law was developed to fulfill the objectives set out in the State Program for the Implementation of the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022–2026, within the framework of the “Year of Attention to the Individual and Quality Education.” It introduces additions and amendments to several articles of the Criminal Code.

In particular, it stipulates that a person who has served a sentence for a non-serious crime committed before reaching the age of 18 is to be considered not convicted. Additionally, the law reduces the minimum term of restriction of liberty and imprisonment for minors from six months to one month.

According to senators, the law further liberalizes criminal liability for minors and creates the conditions for individuals who have served a sentence for a crime committed before turning eighteen to continue their lives without the stigma of a conviction.

The law was approved by the senators.