Media laws at Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan's media laws have evolved significantly since President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's tenure began in 2016, transitioning from stringent censorship to more liberal reforms. However, challenges persist, particularly concerning online expression and the treatment of independent journalists.
🧾 Key Legal Frameworks
1. Constitution of Uzbekistan
Article 29 of the Constitution guarantees the right to seek, receive, and disseminate information Article 67 ensures that mass media are free and exempt from censorshi Despite these constitutional protections, practical enforcement remains inconsistent, with instances of media workers facing political persecution and websites critical of the government being blocked
2. Law on Mass Media (2007, amended 2018)
This law outlines the rights and responsibilities of media outlets, including
State Registration:Mandatory for all media outlets, with authorities having the power to suspend operations for non-compliance
Content Restrictions:Prohibits the dissemination of information deemed false or defamatory, leading to potential legal actions against journalists
:Media outlets are held accountable for the truthfulness of their content, with penalties for violations
3. Draft Information Code (2022)
Aimed at modernizing media regulation, this draft code includes
-Censorship Ban:Prohibits government censorship of media content
Access to Information:Ensures citizens' right to access information without discrimination
Media Monopolization:Addresses and seeks to prevent the concentration of media ownership While the draft code introduces positive reforms, concerns remain about its implementation and the potential for continued government control over media
⚠️ Challenges and Concerns
Online Expression:The 2022 draft law criminalizes the dissemination of "false news," including content that "insults" or "shows disrespect for society, the state, state symbols, including obscenities.Such provisions could have a chilling effect on journalists and bloggers
Media Landscape:Uzbekistan lacks private television networks, with state-owned media transmitting official propaganda Privately owned radio stations avoid criticism to prevent shutdowns, and only a few online media outlets publish quality content, often based abroad
Journalist Safety: Despite legal protections, journalists and bloggers face harassment and legal actions, particularly those expressing critical views The legal framework does not adequately protect journalists from interference in their work
✅ Summary
Uzbekistan has made strides in reforming its media laws, introducing measures to protect freedom of expression and access to information However, practical challenges persist, including restrictive laws targeting online content and limited media diversity Ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that legal reforms translate into genuine improvements in media freedom and journalist safety
RELATED Blog
0 comments