On March 5, an expanded meeting was held under the chairmanship of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev regarding the activities of the National Council for Combating Corruption. The head of state emphasized that preventing corruption risks in the judicial system and improving the quality and effectiveness of fair justice should always be a priority.
During the meeting, it was noted that despite significant reforms to ensure the independence of the courts, there are still instances of judges being summoned to meetings and being assigned tasks outside their authority. It was also pointed out that attempts to influence the courts by certain agencies are still ongoing.
“I sternly warn all leaders. Any interference in the activities of the courts is considered a shadow over fair justice. There will be strict inquiries and accountability regarding this,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
At the same time, it was noted that the role of lawyers in implementing fair justice is very important, and it is necessary to create opportunities for lawyers to provide timely legal assistance to citizens in their defense.
“Officials have been instructed to submit a draft law within three months to eliminate the factors hindering the activities of lawyers in providing quality legal assistance,” the president's press service reported.
“The effectiveness of our reforms is primarily directly related to a loyal, dedicated, and corruption-intolerant new generation. In this work, educating a clean-minded younger generation should become a priority,” said the president.
For this purpose, it was emphasized that school directors should explain noble ideas such as honesty and not betraying others' rights to our boys and girls in simple language within the framework of the Ethics subject.
Rectors should establish a system to support student and youth projects against corruption, startups, and innovative initiatives.
In general, it was emphasized that creating a system based on the idea that “corruption is a threat to the future” that occupies the hearts of the youth of New Uzbekistan would be timely.
The president addressed representatives of the public and non-governmental organizations.
“The fight against corruption is a national task, it is a matter of conscience for every patriotic citizen. In general, no one should stand aside from this process.
Therefore, we need to create even more conditions to be uncompromising against corruption and to involve the wider public in this. First of all, it is necessary to increase the activity of non-governmental organizations. This is the most correct way,” said the head of state.
It was noted that the parliament should establish close cooperation with non-governmental organizations and make extensive use of their capabilities.
For example, it was expressed confidence that involving non-governmental organizations in monitoring the requirements of the convention against corruption would yield great results.
For these purposes, 10 billion soums will be allocated annually to support new projects.
“To overcome corruption, we must first dry up its excessive luxury and extravagance, the ‘roots of evil.’
Sadly, well-known individuals are leading this, and people are trying to equate themselves with them, putting themselves in danger.
In this regard, some leaders, instead of being an example to everyone with their modest lifestyle, have become captives of such false values and are striving to earn illegal income,” said the president.
Therefore, the head of state called on the chambers of parliament, local councils, public representatives, neighborhood leaders, and elders to take the lead in this matter and strengthen awareness-raising activities among the population.
“If we all act as a united force in the fight against corruption, we will certainly achieve even greater positive results.
Therefore, neighborhood activists, elders, intellectuals, writers and poets, art and culture workers, entrepreneurs, prominent individuals, leaders, deputies, and senators – in general, the entire community should unite and view corruption as ‘cancer in the body of society.’
The tasks set today are aimed precisely at working in such a spirit and achieving concrete results.
I believe that you will deeply understand this truth and demand, and demonstrate special diligence in implementing them, becoming an example for everyone,” said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the end of his speech.
