Investigative judges in Uzbekistan will be given new powers

In Uzbekistan, it is planned to grant new powers to investigative judges from July 1, 2027. This is stipulated in the presidential decree aimed at implementing the “Fair Justice – 2030” strategy.

According to these changes, investigative judges will have the right to verify the legality and justification of a person’s detention, as well as the sufficiency of the grounds for suspicion or indictment.

The decree provides for the introduction of the international standard of “reasonable suspicion” — Prima Facie at the pre-trial stage of criminal proceedings. The investigative judge will verify the legality and justification of a person’s detention when considering a petition for the application of procedural coercive measures or for sanctioning it.

In addition, in case of doubt about the insufficiency of the grounds for suspicion or indictment, the authority will be granted to request additional documents, while ensuring the secrecy of the investigation.

The decree also sets out the task of preparing and introducing a draft law providing for the transfer of these powers to investigative judges. At the same time, it is envisaged to strengthen in the legislation the issue of granting sanctions by courts to operational-search measures related to the direct restriction of the constitutional rights of an individual.

These changes are aimed at strengthening the mechanisms for the judicial protection of the rights of individuals at the stage of investigation and inquiry. The decree defines this direction as part of the strategy for establishing a “popular and fair judicial system that reliably protects human rights”.

We recall that Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the heads of the judicial system to discuss the results of judicial reforms and priority tasks in the field. It presented the draft strategy “Fair Justice - 2030” aimed at developing the activities of the courts.