The National Guard of Uzbekistan received new powers
On October 11, the Senate unanimously approved amendments to legislation giving the National Guard additional powers. In many ways, the changes duplicate the functions of the police and are focused on the prevention of offenses.
Human rights activists emphasize the repressive nature of innovation. For example, public appeals in any form for non-compliance with the legitimate requirements of a military officer (employee) of the National Guard in connection with the performance of official duties, as well as the dissemination of knowingly false fabrications in order to provoke mass disobedience to the military officer (employee) of the National Guard, entail a fine of 3 to 5 minimum salaries or administrative arrest up to 15 days. With such powers, any actions of activists will be more severely suppressed and aggressively interpreted.
On the basis of this, any social activity may come up against arbitrariness already from the side of the National Guard. Abuses during the service are quite expected, since, in addition, the authorities of the National Guard receive the right for personal inspection and inspection of things.
The Law “On the prevention of offenses” is also supplemented by article 12−2, according to which the authorities of the National Guard develop, approve and implement programs for the prevention of offenses, eliminate the reasons for their commission and more. The document will enter into force after signing by the President.
As a former law enforcement officer explained to an ACCA journalist, “there is an additional strengthening of presidential power. Part of the punitive functions of the former National Security Service, and now the State Security Service, is transferred to the power structure and becomes an instrument for the possible suppression of disorders. Amendments to the laws turn the National Guard into the personal army of the President.” This statement, for example, confirms the presence of the National Guard at the spontaneous protest in Khorezm, when people blocked the highway, not achieving compensation for demolished houses.
The authorities of Mirziyoev can count on unconditional devotion of the National Guard, because Batyr Tursunov, the first deputy commander, is the father of the son-in-law of the head of state; his son Oybek Tursunov is married to Saida Mirziyoeva.
The National Guard was created as a structural unit within the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan. In 2017, it was removed from the subordination of the military service and made an independent service.
