Uzbekistan has toughened penalties for crimes against children, including introducing life imprisonment for sexual violence against children under 14, under a law signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The amendments affect five codes and six laws, Saida Mirziyoyeva, head of the Presidential Administration, reported.
Under the new law, perpetrators of sexual violence against children under 14 face up to 25 years in prison or life imprisonment. The statute of limitations will not apply to such serious crimes.
The legislation also strengthens accountability for those who inflict physical or psychological harm on children, including employees of educational institutions and close relatives.
“The punishment for crimes that caused the death of a child will never be mitigated,” Mirziyoyeva wrote.
She added that children’s safety must not depend on circumstances and that anyone who threatens their lives, health or dignity must face strict punishment.
The bill was developed at the initiative of the Adolat Social Democratic Party faction on September 27 to improve the protection of children from all forms of violence.
The Legislative Chamber adopted the bill in its first reading on September 29 and in its second reading on September 30. The Senate approved the legislation on October 2, paving the way for its signing by the president.