Uzbek Senate Approves Law Allowing Incarcerated Persons to Shorten Sentences by Reading Books

In Uzbekistan, the Senate has passed a law that lets convicted persons reduce their sentences for each approved book they read, Orda.kz reports.

At its tenth plenary session, the Senate adopted the Law "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan." Lawmakers say the changes are aimed at improving educational work with incarcerated persons and lowering the rate of offenses.

The key provision introduces Article 741 into the Criminal Code: for each book from an official list approved by a commission, a prisoner’s term can be reduced by three days, up to a maximum of 30 days per year. The rule applies only to those eligible for parole and excludes life sentences.

More than 13,500 people may benefit.

The law also tightens measures for preventing offenses. For example, individuals deprived of driving rights for “road hooliganism” or drunk driving will now be officially registered.

In 2024, 23,582 traffic violations were recorded involving nearly 11,000 people who had already lost their licenses. These led to 1,019 accidents, resulting in 295 deaths and 873 injuries. To address this, prevention inspectors will begin assisting traffic patrol officers,  the Senate explained.

Officials stress that the reform is designed to aid rehabilitation and crime prevention, fostering respect for the law and social traditions.

Original Author: Alina Pak