Deputies of Uzbekistan's Legislative Chamber have passed a bill in its second reading aimed at significantly toughening penalties for corruption crimes and restricting the right of convicted individuals to early release. This initiative is part of a broader effort to intensify the fight against corruption in the country.

According to the document, individuals convicted of theft or embezzlement will be ineligible for parole until they have fully compensated for the damage caused. Similar restrictions are proposed for repeat offenders and those found guilty of giving or receiving bribes on a particularly large scale.

In addition to harsher punishments, the bill seeks to clarify the legal framework: the Criminal Code is planned to be supplemented with a list of 19 types of acts that will be officially classified as corrupt. Concurrently, it proposes strengthening sanctions for fraud and abuse of authority using official positions.

A key component of the initiative is the establishment of a protection system for citizens who report bribery incidents. The bill includes a provision prohibiting disciplinary actions against such employees without prior notification to the Agency for Combating Corruption. Furthermore, fostering an uncompromising stance against corruption among youth is suggested to be enshrined as a priority direction of state policy.

Currently, the bill has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration. The new rules will only come into force if approved by the upper house of parliament and subsequently signed by the president.

Source: podrobno.uz