On 29 June, the senators convened the 10th regular plenary session of the parliament’s upper house. A number of important issues are on the agenda, including further liberalization of the legal system.

Uzbek TV reported that participants in the session also include representatives from ministries and departments, as well as the heads of state bodies. The session was opened with the discussion of two [draft] laws, which clearly reflect the reforms being carried out in the country’s judicial system and the gradual liberalization of the Criminal Code. In particular, the session endorsed the Uzbek law on amendments and addenda to some legislative acts in connection with abolishing the death penalty. Speaking about its significance, MPs noted that it was drafted in order to implement a relevant presidential decree and that it stipulated amendments to the Criminal Code, the Criminal Procedural Code and the Criminal Executive Code.

Today, the session also endorsed the law on amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with transferring the right to issue an arrest warrant [from prosecution bodies] to courts.