Uzbekistan's parliament has passed a law transferring cases of sexual violence against women and minors from internal affairs bodies to the prosecutor's office. However, Irina Matviyenko, head of the Nemolchi.uz project, criticized the amendments as half-measures that fail to address systemic issues. She pointed out that the law does not cover articles related to sexual exploitation but not formally classified as crimes against sexual freedom, such as involving minors in pornography or human trafficking.

Matviyenko highlighted Part 11 of Article 345 of the Criminal Procedure Code, noting that this rule could lead to internal affairs bodies handling investigations in future complex cases like the "Khorezm case," rather than prosecutors. She argued that the current draft lacks a systematic approach and allows for "manual control" by prosecutors, undermining full victim protection.

Notably, the bill did not undergo public discussion. After a presentation by First Deputy Prosecutor General Bahriddin Valiyev, deputies asked no questions, and the law was passed unanimously. Legislative Chamber Speaker Nuriddin Ismoilov claimed it was "thoroughly discussed at faction meetings," despite a 2018 requirement for mandatory public consultation being weakened in 2022.

Matviyenko expressed hope that the president would not sign the law and return it for improvement, calling it "not a reform but a mockery." She emphasized that the state should not limit itself to half-measures in strengthening protection for women and children from violence but adopt a comprehensive approach. This situation reveals ongoing challenges in effectiveness and transparency in Uzbekistan's fight against sexual violence.

Source: www.gazeta.uz