Within the framework of Decree No. UP-22 of February 16 of this year, important tasks aimed at further strengthening the institution of defense in court and criminal proceedings in Uzbekistan have been defined. According to the passport of the document on Lex.uz, this decree was adopted on February 16, 2026, and entered into force on February 17.
In accordance with the decree, the Ministry of Justice, together with the relevant ministries and agencies, has been instructed to develop a number of practical mechanisms by June 1, 2026. In particular, in cooperation with the Supreme Court, the Prosecutor General's Office, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a procedure should be introduced for submitting a defense opinion along with the indictment when sending a criminal case to court. This innovation serves to make visible not only the position of the prosecution in the criminal case, but also the point of view of the defense in the official process.
The Ministry of Digital Technologies and the Chamber of Lawyers were also tasked with expanding the procedural capabilities of defenders. According to it, lawyers are expected to have the right to familiarize themselves with documents and evidence related to procedural actions carried out with the participation of the suspect, accused, or victim under their defense, to make copies of them, and to make copies of decisions to initiate or terminate criminal cases during the inquiry and preliminary investigation. This, of course, significantly strengthens the participation of the defense in the case.
The decree also provides for the free provision of information upon a lawyer's request, as well as the possibility of obtaining necessary information through notarial acts and cadastral bodies upon a lawyer's request. This can ensure that in practice the lawyer faces fewer time and bureaucratic obstacles.
It is noted that these changes will expand the legal powers of more than 7,000 lawyers in reliably protecting the rights of persons under protection in criminal proceedings. That is, this is not just one technical change, but a systematic step aimed at strengthening the practical impact of the entire protective mechanism.
In short, with the introduction of new procedures, the role of a lawyer at the pre-trial and judicial stage will become more active, effective, and fully documented. This can serve to strengthen the balance of the parties in the justice system.
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