Uzbekistan is planning to study the possibility of creating an independent media ombudsman institution to protect the rights of journalists and media workers. The measure is included in a plan to improve the country’s position in the press freedom ranking of Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The document was approved by the Senate Kengash of Uzbekistan’s parliament. The plan covers greater transparency in cases involving journalists, stronger legal protection for media professionals and clearer standards for how state bodies interact with the press.
Key Takeaways: The Senate-approved plan calls for examining a media ombudsman, creating an open electronic register of administrative and criminal cases against journalists and bloggers, and publishing information on court decisions and verdicts. By February 2027, the Prosecutor General’s Office, Supreme Court, Interior Ministry and other responsible agencies must prepare data on cases involving media representatives; by May, the information is expected to be placed in the register and updated regularly. Uzbekistan ranked 147th out of 180 countries in the 2026 RSF index with a score of 34.95.
The measures are presented as a response to international assessments of press freedom. The Senate acknowledged that previously set targets had not been achieved. International experts have cited a high level of state control over the media, economic pressure on journalists and insufficient development of independent private television. Earlier reports said the share of non-state media in Uzbekistan had reached 67 percent. The new plan is intended to address these concerns through a more structured and transparent approach to media policy.
Under the plan, the electronic register will include information on court rulings and sentences involving media representatives. The authorities are also expected to study cases of criminal prosecution of journalists who have been released from custody and issues related to restoring their rights. The Journalists’ Union of Uzbekistan is to organize free initial legal consultations regardless of membership, with lawyer services subsidized where necessary. In addition, unified openness standards are to be developed for state bodies, and their heads will be assessed on how accessible information is to journalists.
The plan further provides for surveys on self-censorship and pressure on journalists, as well as transparent rules for distributing state advertising orders among media outlets. In the next stage, responsible agencies are expected to prepare the required data within the set deadlines, launch the register and ensure regular updates. Observers say the effectiveness of the measures will depend on whether they produce practical improvements in journalist protections and the country’s press freedom indicators, rather than remaining formal reporting requirements.
Source: podrobno.uz