President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed into law sweeping legislation aimed at significantly tightening penalties for violent and abusive crimes committed against minors. The formal enactment of this landmark legal reform was announced by Saida Mirziyoyeva, the Head of the Presidential Administration.

The new law introduces far-reaching amendments and additions to Uzbekistan's legal framework simultaneously, altering five fundamental codes and six existing national statutes. The overhaul is designed to eliminate systemic loopholes and establish absolute zero tolerance for physical, psychological, and sexual harm directed at children.

Under the amended criminal provisions, individuals convicted of sexual violence against children under the age of 14 now face up to 25 years of imprisonment or a life sentence. Crucially, the legislation completely removes the statute of limitations for these heinous crimes, ensuring that offenders can be brought to justice regardless of how much time has elapsed since the offense was committed.

Saida Mirziyoyeva underscored the non-negotiable nature of the state's stance: "Everyone who harms and inflicts pain on a child will bear responsibility—ranging from educational institution personnel to relatives who commit violence. There will be no leniency for any crime that results in the death of a child. A child's safety cannot depend on circumstances. Anyone who infringes on the life, health, and dignity of children must understand that they will not escape strict punishment."

The legislative initiative was formally submitted to parliament on September 28 and subsequently gained final approval from the Senate of the Oliy Majlis on December 2. In addition to harsher punitive measures, the newly adopted law establishes enhanced procedural safeguards for minor victims during legal proceedings and places an irreversible lifetime ban on working with children for individuals convicted of violent crimes.

Source: uznews.uz