The term “religious extremism” has been removed from Uzbek legislation

What the law changed

The President signed a law providing for amendments and additions to a number of legislative acts. According to the document, the words “religious extremism” in legislation have been replaced with the word “extremism”. The text of the law has been published on the lex.uz portal.

How extremism is now defined

The law clarifies the very concept of “extremism,” classifying eight types of activity under it: violent change of the foundations of the constitutional order, violation of territorial integrity and sovereignty, violent removal of lawfully elected or appointed government representatives; seizure or appropriation of state powers; creation of illegal armed groups or participation in them; public calls for terrorist activity; incitement of national, racial, ethnic or religious hatred accompanied by violence or public calls for it; preparation, storage, distribution or display of materials posing a threat to public security and order, as well as the attributes and symbols of extremist organizations; mass riots motivated by political, ideological, racial, national, ethnic or religious hatred; propaganda of the superiority or inferiority of citizens on the basis of nationality, race, ethnicity or religion with the aim of inciting hatred, intolerance or discord.

Why “religious” was removed from the wording

At the 18th plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis it was noted, that the change is aimed at ending the practice of linking extremism to a specific religion and ensuring a unified legal approach. In practical terms, this means that responsibility in legislation is now formulated based on the nature of actions rather than religious affiliation — all types of activity listed in the law are covered by the general term “extremism”.