The key facts

  • The law signed by the president tightens criminal liability for involving minors in the use of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
  • For involving children in alcohol use — a fine of 150–250 BRV, community service up to 400 hours, correctional labor up to 3 years, or restriction or imprisonment for 3–5 years.
  • For sexual violence against children under 14 — up to 25 years imprisonment or life imprisonment.

Tightened liability under the new law

In Uzbekistan, the president signed a law aimed at strengthening the protection of children from violence. As reported by Daryo.uz, the document significantly tightens criminal liability for involving minors in the use of narcotic and psychotropic substances: amendments have been made to the relevant articles of the Criminal Code.

Penalties for involving in alcohol and other substances

For involving children in the use of alcohol and other substances affecting the psyche, the law provides for a fine of 150 to 250 base calculation units, community service up to 400 hours, correctional labor up to 3 years, or restriction or imprisonment for a term of 3 to 5 years.

Narcotic and psychotropic substances

The term of punishment has been increased for involving minors in the use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues or certain types of potent substances — now it is imprisonment for a term of 5 to 7 years.

Aggravating circumstances — up to 10 years

If the crime is committed repeatedly, against two or more minors, on the territory of an educational institution, or resulted in a person's death or other grave consequences, the perpetrator faces 7 to 10 years imprisonment.

Liability for sexual violence against children

It was previously reported that the same law provides for imprisonment for a term of up to 25 years or life imprisonment for persons who committed sexual violence against children under 14 years of age.