Uzbek President Enacts Decree Imposing Life Sentences for Pedophilia

(MENAFN) Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has signed a decree that includes life imprisonment for pedophilia, as stated by reports.

The announcement came in a Tuesday statement from the Uzbek presidency after Mirziyoyev reviewed a series of proposals and initiatives aimed at enhancing protections for women and children during a meeting of an interdepartmental council.

The review also focused on measures to prevent harassment and violence against women and children, issues that have repeatedly been discussed at the highest levels, with specific responsibilities assigned to law enforcement and relevant government agencies.

“To coordinate efforts in this area, an interdepartmental council has been established and tasked with developing practical proposals within a short timeframe,” the statement said, noting that the council’s initiatives were prepared “based on proposals from the general public, expert recommendations, and best international practices.”

Among the measures reviewed were proposals to increase penalties for sexual harassment by introducing administrative arrest of up to five days and to impose life imprisonment for pedophilia.

“Approving the presented initiatives, the head of state signed a relevant decree and instructed the responsible officials to ensure a broad explanation of the new measures to the population,” the statement added.

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