Uzbekistan adopts amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code

In September, Uzbekistan adopted amendments to the Code on Criminal Procedure related to international cooperation. This was in line with  UNODC ROCA recommendations.

In September, Uzbekistan adopted amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure with a new section entitled "International cooperation in criminal matters". The amendments established the grounds and procedure for mutual legal assistance (MLA) and extradition that up to now had not been regulated by law. The amendments were drafted in line with UNODC ROCA recommendations that had been submitted to the relevant Uzbek authorities and, in particular, to the International Department of the General Prosecutor Office. This department was responsible for initiating the draft amendments. The new provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code allow  extradition and MLA on the basis of reciprocity (previously, the only legal grounds for MLA and extradition were bilateral and multi-lateral treaties). The amendments also introduce a new article on the admissibility of evidence and, in accordance with the UN conventions against crime and corruption,  simplify the evidentiary requirements. Moreover, the amendments provide for judicial review of the decision on extradition and its simplified procedure as was recommended by the UNODC Expert Working Group on best practices in extradition.