Uzbekistan reduces maximum prison sentence for membership in extremist organizations
Uzbekistan has reduced the maximum prison sentence for participation in extremist, separatist, fundamentalist and other banned organizations from 15 to 10 years. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the amendments to the country’s criminal and administrative legislation on November 2. The new law has already entered into force.
Under the amendments, participation in banned organizations is now punishable by five to 10 years in prison. Previously, ordinary members faced the same penalties as founders and organizers — five to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The maximum sentence for founding or organizing such groups remains unchanged at 15 years.
The amendments also introduce administrative penalties for certain first-time offenses involving extremist materials and the symbols of banned organizations.
According to Uzbekistan’s national news agency UzA, producing or possessing materials with the intention of distributing extremist, separatist or fundamentalist ideas may result in administrative penalties.
The provisions also cover materials calling for mass killings, the forced displacement of citizens or the spread of panic among the population.
Similar penalties apply to producing or possessing, with the intention of distributing or displaying, the symbols and insignia of extremist and terrorist organizations.
Individuals face fines ranging from 50 to 100 times the base calculation amount, equivalent to approximately 3,700 $ at the upper limit. Officials face fines of 100 to 150 times the base amount, or up to approximately 5,500. $
Alternatively, offenders may face administrative detention for up to 15 days. Items involved in the offense are subject to confiscation.
Changes to the definition of extremism
The amendments also replace the term «religious extremism» with the broader term «extremism» throughout Uzbekistan’s legislation.
During discussions in the Senate, lawmakers explained that the change was intended to avoid associating extremism with any particular religion and to establish a consistent legal approach.
The updated legislation also clarifies the scope of extremist activities. These include attempts to undermine the constitutional order or seize power, the establishment of or participation in illegal armed groups, public calls for terrorism, and incitement of national, racial, ethnic or religious hatred.
The provisions also address the production and distribution of materials considered threats to public safety and order.
Public registry of extremist organizations
Under the new law, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Justice will maintain a publicly accessible electronic registry of extremist organizations, materials and online sources.
The registry will include organizations whose activities have been suspended because of alleged involvement in extremism, groups officially designated as extremist, and materials declared extremist by the courts.
It will also list online sources that repeatedly publish or distribute extremist materials — defined as two or more instances within one year.
The law establishes a procedure for determining whether materials or online sources should be classified as extremist.
Relevant government agencies must submit their requests to the Prosecutor General’s Office, accompanied by an expert assessment.
After reviewing the documents, the Prosecutor General or a deputy may apply to the Supreme Court, which will make the final decision on whether the materials or sources are extremist.
Under the amendments, participation in banned organizations is now punishable by five to 10 years in prison. Previously, ordinary members faced the same penalties as founders and organizers — five to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The maximum sentence for founding or organizing such groups remains unchanged at 15 years.
The amendments also introduce administrative penalties for certain first-time offenses involving extremist materials and the symbols of banned organizations.
According to Uzbekistan’s national news agency UzA, producing or possessing materials with the intention of distributing extremist, separatist or fundamentalist ideas may result in administrative penalties.
The provisions also cover materials calling for mass killings, the forced displacement of citizens or the spread of panic among the population.
Similar penalties apply to producing or possessing, with the intention of distributing or displaying, the symbols and insignia of extremist and terrorist organizations.
Individuals face fines ranging from 50 to 100 times the base calculation amount, equivalent to approximately 3,700 $ at the upper limit. Officials face fines of 100 to 150 times the base amount, or up to approximately 5,500. $
Alternatively, offenders may face administrative detention for up to 15 days. Items involved in the offense are subject to confiscation.
Changes to the definition of extremism
The amendments also replace the term «religious extremism» with the broader term «extremism» throughout Uzbekistan’s legislation.
During discussions in the Senate, lawmakers explained that the change was intended to avoid associating extremism with any particular religion and to establish a consistent legal approach.
The updated legislation also clarifies the scope of extremist activities. These include attempts to undermine the constitutional order or seize power, the establishment of or participation in illegal armed groups, public calls for terrorism, and incitement of national, racial, ethnic or religious hatred.
The provisions also address the production and distribution of materials considered threats to public safety and order.
Public registry of extremist organizations
Under the new law, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Justice will maintain a publicly accessible electronic registry of extremist organizations, materials and online sources.
The registry will include organizations whose activities have been suspended because of alleged involvement in extremism, groups officially designated as extremist, and materials declared extremist by the courts.
It will also list online sources that repeatedly publish or distribute extremist materials — defined as two or more instances within one year.
The law establishes a procedure for determining whether materials or online sources should be classified as extremist.
Relevant government agencies must submit their requests to the Prosecutor General’s Office, accompanied by an expert assessment.
After reviewing the documents, the Prosecutor General or a deputy may apply to the Supreme Court, which will make the final decision on whether the materials or sources are extremist.
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