Concept of "Religious Extremism" to Be Removed from Uzbek Legislation

Concept of "Religious Extremism" to Be Removed from Uzbek Legislation

In Uzbekistan, the concept of "religious extremism" is being replaced by the term "extremism." This was announced at the eighteenth plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis. According to the Senate, the law was approved to prevent extremism from being linked to any specific religion and to ensure a unified legal approach within the legislation.

Furthermore, the concept of "extremism" is being defined based on eight specific actions. This measure aims to prevent subjective or overly broad interpretations of the term in law enforcement practice.

The new law also introduces amendments to the Criminal Code, the Code on Administrative Liability, and several other laws.
Under these changes, the preparation of materials imbued with ideas of extremism, separatism, or fundamentalism, or their possession for distribution—as well as the preparation and possession of symbols belonging to extremist or terrorist organizations for the purpose of distribution or display—will result in administrative liability for a first offense. Criminal liability will apply only if such an act is repeated after an administrative penalty has already been imposed. In particular, penalties for establishing, leading, and participating in extremist or other banned organizations are being differentiated. The plan envisages lighter penalties for participation in such organizations, while imposing harsher penalties for their establishment or leadership.