Over 30,000 people prosecuted in Uzbekistan for defamation and insult in 2024

Aziz Obidov, spokesperson for the Supreme Court, reported that the cases were primarily handled under Articles 40 and 41 of the Administrative Liability Code. Defamation and insult cases led to fines for all those convicted.

Criminal prosecution for severe cases

For more serious offenses or repeated violations, criminal charges were pursued. Under Article 139 of the Criminal Code (defamation), 121 individuals were convicted:

• 11 were fined,
• 14 sentenced to correctional labor,
• 92 received restrictions on freedom, and
• 4 were given suspended sentences.

Similarly, under Article 140 of the Criminal Code (insult):

• 451 individuals were convicted,
• 92 were fined,
• 242 sentenced to correctional labor,
• 4 assigned mandatory public work,
• 110 faced restrictions on freedom, and
• 3 received suspended sentences.

Legal framework and context

In Uzbekistan, defamation and insult are classified as offenses under both the Administrative Liability Code and the Criminal Code. Administrative penalties typically apply to initial violations, while criminal charges are reserved for aggravated cases, repeated offenses, or crimes committed via the Internet or during the performance of official duties.