Viewing results 67 - 72 of 77

What types of crimes did the people of Uzbekistan commit in 2023?

Information on the types of criminal cases the courts considered in 2023 was provided by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan. According to the report, criminal courts considered 58,418 cases involving 73,797 individuals in 2023 - 1,244 people received rehabilitation and an acquittal, whilst a total of 55,763 people were found guilty; of these, 17,396 received prison sentences, 37,077 received other types of sentences, and 1,290 received conditional sentences. Of those found guilty, 49,297 men, 6,466 women, 20,922 young people (including 1,911 minors), and 2,123 people over the age of 6o. In addition, 7,362 people were freed from prison in connection with the imposition of non-custodial sentences; 33,612 people were released on parole; 12,286 people had their sentences remitted; and 13,522 people had the charges against them dropped because the preliminary investigation found the authorities had unfairly targeted them. The majority of cases during the reporting period involved fraud; other offenses included theft or robbery; the transfer, storage, and other activities related to narcotics, their analogues, or psychotropic substances; the preparation of documents, stamps, seals, forms, forgery, sale, or use of them; bullying; purposeful infliction of moderately severe bodily injury; and other offenses that fall under the category of bribery. In total, 14,698 people were freed from criminal responsibility as a result of the Reconciliation Institute's effective use, whilst 8,586 people received non-custodial sentences in exchange for making restitution for the material harm they caused. In the appeals process, 10,843 criminal cases involving 15,720 individuals were taken into account. The rulings rendered by the first-instance courts against 1,715 individuals were overturned, and the rulings made against 3,556 individuals were modified. The Criminal Trial Panel of the Supreme Court reviewed 5,130 criminal cases involving 5,855 individuals. Lower court rulings against 1,143 people were overturned, and rulings against 509 people were modified. Additionally, at the cassation instance, 402 criminal cases involving 467 individuals were reviewed multiple times. Court rulings against 121 people were modified, while rulings against 288 people were revoked.

Uzbekistan Ratifies Agreement on Transfer of Prisoners with Iran

The forty-ninth plenary session of the Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan took place in Tashkent on January 20th. Tanzila Norboeva, the head of the Senate presided over the plenary meeting, which was conducted via video conference, wherein discussions were held regarding a bill entitled, On the ratification of the Agreement on the transfer of prisoners between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran (Tehran, June 18, 2023). The agreement’s ratification gives Iranian and Uzbek citizens who have been detained in each other's territories a legal foundation on which to serve out their sentences in their home nation, thus allowing for regular visits with close relatives and easing the transition to civilian life. The agreement also opens up the possibility of bilateral cooperation in the area of the transfer of convicts.

Group-IB Opens First Digital Crime Resistance Center in Central Asia

TASHKENT - On December 26th, Group-IB, a leading force in cybersecurity technology combating digital crime, revealed the inauguration of its pioneering Digital Crime Resistance Center (DCRC) in Central Asia. Located in Tashkent, this state-of-the-art facility marks Group-IB’s expansion strategy, aimed at proactively confronting cyber threats worldwide, notably those originating from Russian-speaking hacker communities. Choosing Tashkent for their newest DCRC underlines Group-IB’s recognition of Uzbekistan’s economic significance and its potential to emerge as a global cybersecurity hub. The memorandum signed between the Central Bank of Uzbekistan and Group-IB in August 2023 further emphasizes the collaboration to counter cyberattacks and elevate cybersecurity measures. Group-IB plans to fortify its engagement with Uzbekistan’s higher education sector, emphasizing investment in the country's youth and its tech industry. Dmitry Volkov, CEO of Group-IB, highlighted, “Selecting Tashkent, Uzbekistan as the site for our fifth Digital Crime Resistance Center globally is a strategic move to heighten our understanding of Russian-speaking threat actors. Cybercrime knows no borders, necessitating a comprehensive approach. By establishing a DCRC in Tashkent, Group-IB aims to elevate cybersecurity standards not only in Uzbekistan but across the broader Central Asian region.”

Monument Symbolizing Fight Against Corruption Unveiled in Tashkent

As reported by the President Mirziyoyev’s official website, on December 19th, the opening ceremony of a monument symbolizing the efforts of the international community to combat corruption was held at the Tashkent City International Business Center. The ceremony was attended by the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as Assistant Secretary General of the UN, Alexander Zuev. The twelve-meter transparent metal composition in the form of a hand pointing upward with open fingers represents honesty and purity of actions and thoughts, absolute rejection of corruption, and a call to countries around the world to unite in the fight against it. On the same day, President Mirziyoyev spoke at a ceremony presenting the International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award in Tashkent. Mirziyoyev expressed his gratitude to the founder of this prestigious award, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for their proposal to hold this event in Uzbekistan. In his speech, President Mirziyoyev said that “in New Uzbekistan, where democratic reforms have become irreversible, we have also set ambitious plans and tasks to combat corruption.” Mirziyoyev stated that Uzbekistan is committed to mobilize all possible efforts with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and international partners. He also said that Uzbekistan will develop and implement the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2030. “We appreciate the role of the mass media, who are on the front-lines in the fight against corruption,” Mirziyoyev added. “In this regard, we believe that you will support our proposal to hold a Global Media Forum that aims to effectively harness the power of journalists in the fight against corruption and to increase their influence.”

Uzbek Blogger Jailed for 7 1/2 Years

The Tashkent regional court has dismissed an appeal by blogger Lemara Mirzaahmedova on December 13, upholding her 7 1/2-year prison term issued in October, as reported by RFE/RL's Uzbek Service. Her conviction, based on defamation, slander, and extortion charges linked to critical social-media posts about the government, faced staunch opposition from supporters who view it as retribution by authorities. Mirzaahmedova, detained in March, is seen by human rights watchdogs as part of a concerning trend in Tashkent, marked by an uptick in criminal cases targeting independent bloggers.

Company in Uzbekistan Sanctioned by UK

British authorities have recently imposed fresh sanctions targeting individuals and entities suspected of aiding the "Russian military apparatus," which notably includes Uzbekistan-based company Mvizion. This expanded sanctions list encompasses 46 entities linked to weapons production or the import of defense goods for Russia, comprising thirty foreign enterprises, among them those from Uzbekistan. A statement from UK authorities outlined, "Today's measures will prevent Putin from outfitting his military through intermediary supply chains in Belarus, China, Serbia, Turkey, the UAE, and Uzbekistan," citing Mvizion's role as an intermediary in supplying spare parts to Russia. Mvizion had previously been sanctioned by the United States in November, linked by the US Department of Commerce to drone production for the Russian armed forces. The Unified State Register of Enterprises and Organizations shows Mvizion's registration on June 14, 2022, with its primary activity listed as the "wholesale of electronic and telecommunication equipment and related spare parts." Igor Nikolaevich Ievlev is identified as the sole founder and director. David O'Sullivan, the EU Special Envoy for Sanctions, addressed Uzbekistan's efforts to counter the re-export of European goods under sanctions to Russia, emphasizing the significance of economic diversification for the country. "We do not intend to disrupt Uzbekistan's traditional trade relations," he emphasized.