President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a law on September 11 clarifying criminal liability for interfering in investigations and court proceedings, while also expanding administrative liability for contempt of court.

MPs passed the bill on February 24, and senators approved it on May 19. It took effect September 12.

The key change amends the Article 236 of the Criminal Code, which now separately addresses interference in investigations and in court proceedings. Liability for pressuring the courts has been broadened: the law now penalizes not only attempts to secure an unlawful ruling, but also efforts to obstruct a thorough, complete and objective review of a case. Protections have also been extended to cover lay judges. The penalties themselves remain unchanged — up to three years of correctional labor, restriction of liberty for one to three years, or imprisonment for up to three years.

If a public official commits such interference, the penalty is harsher: restriction of liberty or imprisonment for three to five years, along with forfeiture of certain rights.

Penalties expanded for disorderly conduct on court premises

Amendments were also made to Article 180 of the Code of Administrative Liability. Previously, the provision on contempt of court applied only to disorderly conduct during a court hearing; the revised law now extends it to cover conduct "in the courthouse" as well.

As a result, administrative liability will now apply to violations of established order within courthouse premises, even when they occur outside an active hearing.

The law states that the changes are aimed at strengthening judicial independence and the inviolability of judges, as well as preventing any interference in their work.