Senate approves the law requiring medical examinations for detainees

Arrested individuals in Uzbekistan will now be required to undergo a mandatory medical examination before being placed in a pre-trial detention center. This provision is outlined in the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Detention in Pre-Trial Prison” and “On the Prevention of Torture of Detainees,” which was discussed and approved at the fifth plenary session of the Senate on March 17.

According to the law, detainees must be examined on the spot before entering a detention facility. The Senate emphasized that this measure aims to strengthen guarantees of human dignity, protect detainees from possible mistreatment, and enhance Uzbekistan’s international reputation in human rights protection.

"The law is expected to improve access to fair trials and ensure better protection of detainees’ rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests," the report states.

Previously, in February, reports emerged of two individuals being found dead in a penal colony in Surkhandarya. Additionally, a 50-year-old farmer, Tohirjon Khaitov, who was under investigation in a criminal case, was reportedly handed over to his family deceased. These incidents have raised concerns about detainee safety and medical conditions in detention facilities.