Uzbek Lawmakers Approve Tougher Anti-Extremism Bill

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Lawmakers in Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis have approved, in the second reading, a draft law introducing amendments and additions to several legislative acts aimed at improving the effectiveness of countering extremism.

During the discussion, it was noted that extremist and terrorist organizations are increasingly using information technologies and the internet to recruit citizens, particularly young people, into unlawful and violent activities.

In this context, lawmakers emphasized the importance of updating legislation to reflect modern challenges, while strengthening preventive measures and coordination among responsible authorities.

The proposed amendments are aimed at reinforcing public stability, preventing aggressive manifestations, and protecting youth from destructive influence.

The draft law предусматривает tougher liability under the Criminal Code and the Code of Administrative Responsibility for offenses related to the production, storage, distribution, or display of materials that pose a threat to public safety and order.

In addition, amendments to the Law on Countering Extremism introduce provisions to strengthen legal mechanisms for prevention, create conditions for encouraging and protecting individuals who report such offenses, and clarify procedures for designating organizations as extremist.

The changes also affect a number of other legislative acts, including laws on the principles and guarantees of freedom of information, informatization, crime prevention, state youth policy, education, employment, publishing activities, psychological assistance to the population, and the export and import of cultural property.

Anvarkhon Temirov, a member of the Committee on Anti-Corruption and Judicial-Legal Issues, said the draft law is timely and aimed at further improving the system of countering extremism and increasing the effectiveness of preventive work. He noted that it provides a legal basis for strengthening an atmosphere of peace, harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect in society.

Following the session, the draft law was adopted and forwarded to the Senate for consideration.