Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law on tougher penalties for pedophiles

Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law toughening punishment for pedophiles

Uzbekistan has increased responsibility for sexual violence against children under 14 years of age — now such crimes carry up to 25 years of imprisonment or a life sentence. The corresponding law was signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

This was announced by the head of the Presidential Administration, Saida Mirziyoyeva.

The document amends five codes and six laws.

Under the new norms, no statute of limitations will apply to such crimes. In addition, for individuals who commit intentional crimes resulting in the death of a child, the possibility of a suspended sentence and conditional early release is excluded.

The law also introduces additional guarantees for children who have suffered from violence. Their interrogations will be video-recorded to reduce the risk of secondary psychological trauma. A cross-examination of the child with the accused will be conducted only by decision of authorized officials or the court.

From the earliest stages of the criminal process, a victim child will be provided with a free lawyer at the state's expense.

Certain changes concern employees of educational and upbringing institutions. If they commit violence against a child, legal grounds will arise for terminating the employment contract with such an employee.

Administrative liability is also being toughened for improper care of children, sexual harassment, violation of the marriage age, and improper fulfillment of duties to protect children from information harmful to their health.

In the Olmazor district of Tashkent, law enforcement officers are checking a report of violence against a teenage girl who lived with a man in a religious marriage. According to preliminary data, he used physical force against her and committed acts of a sexual nature, causing her injuries.