Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — From January to October 2024, 158 complaints were submitted to the Ombudsman for Human Rights of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, regarding physical, psychological, or other forms of pressure by law enforcement officers in places of detention. This was reported by the Ombudsman's press service.

Places of detention for individuals with restricted freedom of movement include special reception centers, temporary detention cells, pre-trial detention centers, correctional institutions, disciplinary units, compulsory treatment facilities, and guardhouses.

For 14 complaints, decisions to refuse criminal investigations were annulled by the prosecutor's office, and additional pre-investigation checks were ordered.

During official investigations and checks, 52 cases of violations were found to be unsubstantiated. Investigations are ongoing for 62 complaints, while criminal cases have been initiated in three instances.

Ten law enforcement officers were subjected to disciplinary action for violations identified during the checks.

Additionally, in the first 10 months of 2024, the Ombudsman conducted 774 monitoring visits to places of detention (compared to 468 visits during the same period in 2023). These visits involved over 9,500 group and 4,321 individual interviews. Conditions such as housing, food, medical care, and sanitary standards were assessed.

As a result of the visits, 16 demands, 10 representations, 13 conclusions, and 3 analytical reports were submitted to relevant ministries and agencies, along with 6 analytical reports to the chambers of the Oliy Majlis.

A women’s department with 50 beds was opened at Specialized Hospital No. 23. The hospital is equipped with modern laboratories and departments for therapy, neurology, surgery, dentistry, diagnostics, tuberculosis, and other specialties. Complex surgeries are also conducted here.

The narcological dispensary, previously operating under unsanitary conditions in the Tahiatash district of Karakalpakstan, was relocated to a new building in the Nukus district. The cafeteria of the branch of the Specialized Narcological Scientific-Practical Center in the Surkhandarya region was fully renovated.

On the Ombudsman’s recommendation, ventilation was installed in the temporary detention facility of the Yangiersh city police department, conditions in the cells were improved, and showers were installed. In the temporary detention facility of the Bostanlik district police department, rooms for searches, showers, outdoor recreation areas, and necessary equipment were provided.

As a result of the checks, 56 officers received reprimands, two were fined, and three had their employment contracts terminated.

In the Namangan region, more than 180 convicted individuals received vocational education and were awarded certificates.