Uzbekistan expands powers of security service officials

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has introduced amendments to the Code of Administrative Responsibility, under which officials of the security service within internal affairs bodies are granted the authority to consider certain administrative offences and impose penalties.

Under the new provisions, heads and deputy heads of security service units are authorized to make decisions on a range of cases related to violations of public order.

Their competence includes offences such as the consumption of tobacco products and alcohol in public places, littering in unauthorized areas, involving minors in antisocial behaviour, as well as violations of regulations on combating domestic noise.

In addition, they are authorized to consider cases involving petty theft, petty hooliganism, illegal production, storage, import or distribution of religious materials, violations of weapons handling rules, and carrying cold weapons.

Their mandate also covers cases involving the involvement of minors in the commission of administrative offences.