From January to October, the ombudsperson of Uzbekistan received 158 complaints regarding physical, psychological or other forms of pressure exerted by law enforcement officials in facilities housing individuals with restricted freedom of movement, the ombudsperson’s press service announced.
Facilities for individuals with restricted freedom of movement include special detention centers, temporary holding facilities, investigative detention centers, correctional institutions, disciplinary units, compulsory treatment centers and guardhouses.
In response to 14 complaints, higher prosecution authorities overturned decisions to deny the initiation of criminal cases, ordering additional pre-investigation checks.
During internal investigations and inspections, 52 alleged violations were not substantiated. Meanwhile, investigations into 62 complaints remain ongoing, and criminal cases have been initiated for three incidents.
As a result of identified violations, 10 law enforcement officers faced disciplinary measures.
Following further inspections, 56 employees received reprimands, 2 were fined and employment contracts were terminated with 3 individuals.
On 15 November, president Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a revised law on the ombudsperson. The parliament’s human rights representative now has the authority to issue warnings, submissions, motions and demands. Additionally, the ombudsperson and their office are authorized to visit detention facilities at any time without prior notice.
