Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan has reviewed a draft law in its first reading aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of rehabilitation efforts for inmates.

It was noted that in recent years, consistent work has been carried out in the country to ensure the rights and freedoms of prisoners and to align criminal legislation with international standards on sentencing and inmate treatment. However, an analysis of foreign practices highlights the need for additional mechanisms that foster law-abiding behavior, respect for human and social values, and the development of discipline and labor skills among inmates.

The draft law proposes the introduction of a new Article 74-1 into the Criminal Code, which regulates the moral rehabilitation of inmates through reading books. According to this provision, prisoners who are serving their full sentences may have their prison term reduced by up to three days for each book they read from an approved list, provided they successfully pass a corresponding examination.

Additionally, the amendments clarify the procedure for considering read books when reviewing cases of parole or sentence mitigation, as outlined in Articles 73 and 74 of the Criminal Code. Further changes are proposed to Article 536-1 of the Criminal Procedure Code and Article 80-1 of the Penal Code, establishing procedural regulations and ensuring inmates have access to necessary literature for implementing this incentive measure.

The adoption of this bill is expected to strengthen the rehabilitative impact of criminal legislation, improve the moral and ethical reformation of inmates, and encourage their engagement in socially beneficial activities. The document has been conceptually approved in the first reading.