The representative of the Oliy Majlis on Human Rights has responded to widespread public objections regarding reports of torture and mistreatment during criminal investigations circulating on social media. The ombudsman is actively investigating these allegations and expressed concern over the occurrence of torture during inquiries, investigations, and imprisonment.
Death in Boka Confirms Persistence of Torture Practices
Following the death of a citizen in the Boka District on June 5, the Tashkent regional Prosecutor's Office has initiated a criminal case. Two law enforcement officers linked to the incident have been arrested. This serves as a confirmation that torture is still present within court investigation processes in Uzbekistan.
Urging Transparency and Strict Accountability
While acknowledging the positive reforms in combating torture, the ombudsman emphasized the need for transparency as a crucial tool for early prevention. Transparency allows for the identification and punishment of individuals who engage in illegal activities, to avoid undermining public trust in law enforcement agencies. The ombudsman called for a comprehensive evaluation of the qualifications and conduct of officials within the system, urging zero tolerance for those involved in torture and mistreatment.
"In recent years, punishments for employees who have committed torture cases have been made more severe, and it has even been decided that amnesty will not be applied to them. In addition, in order to hold officials responsible for illegal actions, a separate article has been included in the legislation and it is established that aggravating norms will be applied to the person who used torture." - Ombudsman for Uzbekistan
Fighting Torture: Uzbekistan's Strong Stance
Torture is considered a violation of fundamental human rights and a global problem faced by many developed countries. Uzbekistan, prioritizing human dignity, has adopted a firm position against torture. Stricter penalties have been introduced, and amnesty is no longer applicable to those found guilty of torture. The Criminal Code includes provisions for criminal liability regarding torture and other forms of cruel or degrading treatment.
"Article 235 of the Criminal Code envisages criminal liability for torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment."- Ombudsman for Uzbekistan
Monitoring and Eliminating Torture
The ombudsman's office, as part of the National Preventive Mechanism, actively monitors correctional facilities in collaboration with public groups. The conditions within these facilities are systematically studied, and anonymous questionnaires are conducted among detainees. Complaints regarding torture are promptly addressed through interviews and investigations. Instances of alleged torture shared on social media platforms are investigated on-site, and cases displaying signs of torture are referred to the prosecutor's office. The ombudsman will closely monitor the situation in Boka.
The Need for Strict Punishment
The statement highlights that suspects or accused individuals should not be subjected to beatings resulting in death during inquiries and investigations. It emphasizes the importance of identifying and taking strict measures against those responsible. The ombudsman urges the abandonment of bullying and negligence within the system, calling for consistent steps to uphold human dignity and the strict punishment of guilty parties.
"It is necessary to identify the employees who used the method of using force and take strict measures against them, to analyze the qualifications and activities of the employees in the system one by one, and to abandon the bullies and slackers. After all, today's state policy is aimed at glorifying human dignity. From this point of view, the steps in this regard should be consistent. We call for strict punishment of the guilty persons," the statement from the Ombudsman reads.
Tashkent Regional Prosecutor's Office Clarifies the Situation
The Tashkent regional prosecutor's office has addressed the public, cautioning against believing unfounded information circulating on social media. The office assures the public that the situation in Boka is under close scrutiny and advises relying on official sources for accurate updates.
"Currently, various unsubstantiated information about this situation is spreading on social networks. This situation is under special control by the regional prosecutor's office, and we ask you not to believe the baseless information that misleads the investigation and based on rumors, and to rely on the information provided by official sources," the Tashkent regional prosecutor's office said in a statement.