Uzbekistan grants new powers to the Security Service

Certain administrative offense cases will now be reviewed by officials of the Security Service under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This is outlined in the law “On amendments and additions to certain legislative acts of Uzbekistan in connection with the improvement of security activities,” adopted on May 19 this year.

According to the law, heads of security services under internal affairs bodies and their deputies will review cases involving the following administrative offenses:

• consumption of tobacco and alcohol products in public places;
• dumping and disposing of waste in unauthorized areas;
• involving a minor in antisocial behavior;
• violating requirements aimed at preventing domestic noise, and others.

The law also stipulates that officials of security services and their divisions under internal affairs bodies will review cases involving the following offenses:

• petty theft;
• minor hooliganism;
• illegal production, storage, import or distribution of religious materials;
• use of weapons in violation of established procedures;
• carrying cold weapons;
• involving a minor in the commission of an administrative offense, and others.

Earlier, National Guard officers were also granted powers to review administrative offense cases and apply administrative penalties.